The digital world isn’t slowing down. If anything, it’s moving faster than ever. In 2025, having a strong digital marketing strategy isn’t just a bonus. It’s essential for businesses of all sizes.So, what exactly is a digital marketing strategy? It’s a plan that outlines how your business will use online channels, like social media, search engines, email, and digital advertising, to connect with customers, build brand awareness, and drive sales. Instead of guessing or doing things on the fly, a strategy gives you a clear direction, helping you make the most of your marketing efforts.Whether you run a retail store, a service-based business, or a hospitality venue, the way people discover and engage with brands has evolved. Without a clear plan, you risk being left behind while competitors take the lead.Here’s why you need a solid digital marketing strategy in 2025:1. Consumer Habits Have ChangedRecent data shows that two-thirds (66%) of NZ shoppers browse online before buying in-store, and around a third (36%) use their mobile to check prices. More people than ever are turning to their phones, social media, apps, and search engines to find businesses, read reviews, and make purchasing decisions. If your business isn’t showing up where they are looking, you’re missing out on valuable opportunities.2. Marketing Consistency Builds Trust and RecognitionOne of the biggest mistakes businesses make is being inconsistent with their marketing efforts. Sporadic posts, one-off ad campaigns, or months of silence can hurt brand awareness. Customers are more likely to trust and remember businesses that show up regularly. A well-planned digital marketing strategy keeps your brand visible, reinforcing trust and familiarity, even if people aren’t ready to buy straight away.3. Multiple Digital Platforms Maximise ReachGone are the days when having a website or a Facebook page was enough. Successful businesses now use multiple digital platforms to stay visible, including social media, email marketing, and even local platforms like The Central App. Using a mix of channels helps you reach different segments of your audience and keeps your brand top of mind.4. Keeping Your Brand in People's MindsNot every marketing effort will lead directly to a sale, and that’s okay. The goal of digital marketing is to keep your brand in front of people so that when they do need your product or service, you’re the first business they think of. Regularly appearing on social feeds, in search results, or through email updates increases the chances of turning potential customers into loyal ones.5. Social Media is No Longer OptionalSocial media isn’t just for keeping up with friends—it’s a powerful business tool. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn influence purchasing decisions more than ever before. Having a strategy in place ensures you’re not just posting randomly but creating engaging content that connects with your audience in meaningful ways.6. Search Engine Visibility MattersWhen people need a product or service, they Google it. If your business doesn’t have a strong online presence, including an optimised website and local SEO, you’re missing out on potential customers. A well-planned digital marketing strategy ensures you appear higher in search results, making it easier for people to find you.7. Your Competitors Are Already OnlineEven if you’re not focusing on digital marketing, your competitors likely are. If they’re showing up in search results, engaging on social media, and running ads, they’re attracting customers who might otherwise choose you. Staying competitive means keeping up with digital trends and being proactive in your marketing efforts.Get Started TodayIf you don’t have a digital marketing strategy in place for 2025, now is the time to act. Start with the basics: optimise your website, build a social media presence, advertise consistently across platforms. The sooner you start, the stronger your online presence will be—and the more customers you’ll attract.Want help getting started? Let’s chat about how we can create a strategy tailored to your business!

As a manager or employer, the chances you’ve heard that phrase at least once from a staff member, if not multiple times during your career. And when you’re already under pressure, it’s enough to make your blood boil!Let’s face it, for a lot of us “survive til ’25” was a rough ride and the tunnel to “thrive in ‘25” might feel like it isn’t getting any shorter, as we stare off to the second half of the year. “Low productivity” and “unemployment” headlines dominate the news, and the Reserve Bank’s chief economist, Paul Conway, is suggesting a weak economic outlook with multiple factors including weak productivity, investment, and trade. So, when someone says, “it’s not in my job description” it can feel like the last straw. And that’s often how a dispute can start. Personal GrievancesIf you’re under pressure and you hear this statement, there’s a good chance you might react badly, and if you do, “Reason” can leave the building, leaving the door open for “Personal Grievance” (PG) to enter. If you’ve ever had a PG raised against your business, you’ll know it can be expensive, stressful, and massively time consuming. If you’re lucky, the outcome of a PG might result in a settlement and if not, it can cost thousands to pursue a defence through the Employment Relations Authority. Frustratingly, you can be 12-18 months away from being in front of someone who can tell you if you’re wrong or right with your approach to the situation. There is a high risk that you could lose the case and be considered to have failed to act like a “fair and reasonable employer with regard to all the circumstances at the time”. Not to mention the settlement amounts today are typically more than the $3-7K we were seeing only 10-15 years ago. Or the $10-15K from only 5 years ago. These days, you’ll be lucky to see any change from $20K in a settlement, and additional legal costs can mount quickly. Avoiding Personal GrievancesSo, how do you avoid this sort of outcome when you’re under pressure and your staff just don’t “get” the situation? It’s simple, you make time to share it with them, maybe identify some clear processes to updating job descriptions, and ensure everyone understands the core company objectives and underlying values of the company. Five birds (maybe more), one stoneAt EASI NZ, we love “working smarter”, so our recommendation is to combine regular reviews of staff performance with an overview of your company productivity. Use these conversations as a chance to identify the blockers that prevent people from reaching the desired outcomes. Eliminate or mitigate the challenges to ensure your outputs and productivity are in line with your overall business strategy and goals. This should not be used as an opportunity to play a blame game; it’s about identifying continuous improvements.Isn’t that more work?No, collaborating with your staff builds their understanding of the business and the goals, it builds loyalty by creating an inclusive environment, and provides opportunities to instill your values across the whole business. You can often find efficiencies that reduce workloads.With the early identification of potential problems and/or niggles in the business you can reduce stressful situations and can prevent issues from occurring in the first place. This in turn helps to reduce staff attrition rates and empowers your staff while enabling you to discuss ongoing changes and improvements to the business that may need to be reflected in their job descriptions.Reviews are a great way to collaborate with your staff to achieve more efficient outcomes by working smarter, not harder.Doing it - Ourselves!Let’s face it, we can’t rely on anyone arriving on a shiny white business horse to save the day, so it’s time for us to drive productivity by building capabilities and resilience in our own teams through internal collaboration.EASI NZ has a range of workshops to assist you in the “2025 Productivity Drive” so whether it’s building up your HR strategy, understanding your employment obligations, boosting your productivity, hiring the right person, or simply having someone who can manage a crisis, we’ve got you covered, and more. 

Imagine you’re browsing for a product—perhaps a locally made skincare range. You come across several options, all claiming to be natural and effective. What makes you choose one over the others?Now, consider a brand that shares a personal story. The founder talks about years of struggling to find a solution for their child’s sensitive skin. After countless failed attempts, they discovered a combination of natural ingredients that transformed their child’s skin. That success led to the creation of their own product, something they now share with others facing similar struggles.Chances are, that story would resonate more than a simple list of ingredients and benefits. That’s because storytelling isn’t just about selling a product or service—it’s about creating a connection.Why Storytelling WorksStorytelling goes beyond marketing. It’s how people relate to businesses, products, and ideas. A well-told story can:Build trust and authenticity – A genuine story gives people insight into why a business exists and what it stands for.Make messages more memorable – Facts and figures are easy to forget, but stories stay with people.Create an emotional connection – Stories help customers see themselves in a situation and understand how a product or service fits into their lives.Encourage action – Whether it’s making a purchase, booking a service, or simply engaging with a brand, storytelling influences decisions.How to Use Storytelling EffectivelyBringing storytelling into a business doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as sharing:The inspiration behind starting the business.A real customer experience and how it shaped what the business offers.The process behind creating a product or delivering a service.A compelling story doesn’t need to be dramatic—it just needs to be real. People connect with honesty, whether it’s a challenge overcome, a lesson learned, or a passion pursued. By sharing these moments, businesses can create a lasting impression that goes beyond just what they offer.

The region's rates look likely to increase by 14per cent on average after a “process error’’ was discovered by the Central Otago District Council (CODC) finance team.Council chief executive Peter Kelly formally apologised for the mistake at an extraordinary council meeting in Alexandra yesterday.Peter acknowledged a mistake where two live links had been used to input financial information had been discovered.“There are a number of consequences that have fallen out from this.”The finance team picked up the errors last week when opening tender documents for some of the new work going out in July.“We realised that the numbers that were in the existing long term plan didn’t look quite right,” Peter said.The numbers for water had been put into a previous spreadsheet, and that resulted in an increase of 1 per cent in rates, with the remaining 1.5per cent being the new contracts being entered.“It was a process error and I take full responsibility for that. I regret having to bring this matter up and the timing is not ideal,”Staff were looking through the tender documents and luckily the error was picked up, “so it is in some ways good that we did detect it when we did.”In her report, group manager - business support Saskia Righarts said it had been uncovered there needed to be some amendments made to the three waters operational budgets. At the same time the budgets were also adjusted to reflect the value of the recent contracts being tendered in three waters. Those two things combined have resulted in the average draft rates increase changing from 11.63 per cent to 14.03 per cent.The growth apportionments for the Omakau Water Supply Treatment Plant upgrades and the Omakau Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades have also been increased to better align with the growth assumptions. This has resulted in a large increase in Omakau for both the water supply and wastewater development contribution charges.Cr Tracey Paterson said it was ‘’disappointing’’ and questioned whether they could stomach another increase for their ratepayers.The current numbers were still not reflective of what the final figures would be, and the amount could be greater still, depending on what the community told them, she said.Mayor Tamah Alley reflected on their position of asking staff to go away and make more savings, like they had last year.“There are costs that are outside of our control, and in the interim I don’t think they are going to magic up a 5 per cent reduction unless we say we’re not going to do something.”She hoped what she was hearing around the community would result in many submissions, so they could have an accurate reflection of what people wanted to pay for, and what they did not.Deputy Mayor Neil Gillespie said nothing was final yet, “this work has not finished.”The final document would come back to council on March 17, and then be out for public consultation from March 19 to April 16.The consultation document would then form the basis for the final 2025-34 Long-term Plan which was planned to be adopted by Council in June.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected] 

Running a small business can be an incredible experience—flexibility, freedom, and the ability to shape your own future. But let’s be real—it also means wearing multiple hats, juggling responsibilities, and often working way past what should be “quitting time.”The reality? Burnout is something many business owners face, and it can creep up before you even realize it. According to a report by CapitalOne, nearly half (42%) of small business owners have experienced burnout, and 24% are currently dealing with it.So, how do you take care of yourself while keeping your business running? The good news is that self-care doesn’t have to mean extreme morning routines or hours at the gym. Simple, practical changes can make all the difference. When you feel good, your business benefits too.Why Self-care Is Essential for Business OwnersAs business owners, we deal with all the usual work pressures—meeting deadlines, staying productive, and managing expectations. On top of that, we’re often responsible for every single aspect of our business. Work-life balance? It can feel impossible when your income depends on your effort.But here’s the thing—taking care of yourself isn’t just good for you; it’s good for your business. Studies have shown that happier, healthier entrepreneurs are more productive, creative, and successful. Making self-care a priority isn’t a luxury; it’s a smart business move.1. Schedule Breaks Like Business MeetingsThink of self-care as a meeting with your most important client—you. Block out time for breaks in your calendar and treat them as non-negotiable.A simple method to stay on track is the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer 15–30 minute break. It helps maintain focus without exhaustion.Also, be upfront about boundaries. If a meeting lands on your lunch break, a simple message like, “Can we push this back 30 minutes? I’ll be more energized after a quick break,” can go a long way.2. Step Outside Every DayForget about 5 a.m. workouts or treadmill meetings—just getting outside for a bit can be enough. A short walk, sitting outside with coffee, or even a trip to the dog park can reset your mind and help you feel more refreshed.The goal isn’t about fitness milestones; it’s about giving yourself a moment to step away from work, get fresh air, and recharge.3. Set Work-Life BoundariesIt’s easy to let work bleed into personal time, but setting clear boundaries can make a huge difference. Establish office hours and stick to them. Let clients know when you’re available—and when you’re not.A simple auto-reply like, “I’m offline for the evening and will get back to you first thing tomorrow,” can set expectations and help you switch off guilt-free.If possible, automate repetitive tasks like invoicing or scheduling social media posts. And for a real reset? Try deleting work apps from your phone on weekends—it’s a game-changer.4. Find a Support NetworkRunning a business can feel lonely, especially if your friends and family don’t fully understand the challenges. That’s why connecting with other business owners is so important.Look for online communities, local networking events, or small business programs at your local library. Having a group of people who “get it” can be incredibly helpful, whether for sharing advice or just venting over coffee.5. Do Something That Slows Your Mind DownSelf-care doesn’t have to mean meditation or journaling if that’s not your thing. Find activities that give your brain a break—gardening, woodworking, swimming, or even baking.For example, pottery has been a game-changer for many—it forces focus on the task at hand and takes your mind off work stress. Find something that helps you unwind and recharge.The Bottom LineTaking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s a smart investment in both you and your business. If you’re constantly running on empty, your work will eventually suffer too.Start small. Pick one or two things that resonate with you and make them a part of your routine. You’ll be amazed at how even the smallest changes can make a big difference in how you feel—and how your business thrives.

Kelly recently shared a thought-provoking update on LinkedIn, highlighting a major shift in AI technology with the introduction of Operator by OpenAI. She emphasised that if you're a retailer who hasn't yet started experimenting with or implementing AI into your business, you're nearly at a tipping point—this is a technology that could define the future.Operator, although not yet available in Australia and New Zealand, represents a monumental leap forward. It’s an autonomous AI system that can browse the web, complete tasks, and make decisions based on simple, natural language prompts—no coding required. Kelly shared a demo that left her amazed: imagine asking Operator to find a recipe, automatically add ingredients to your grocery cart, and all you need to do is confirm your store choice. It's a seamless integration that doesn't rely on complex APIs or systems—just AI reasoning, moving like a human across the web.This, according to Kelly, is not just a glimpse of what’s to come—it’s a look into the future of how we’ll work and live. AI technology like Operator is poised to eliminate tedious tasks, freeing up time for people to focus on the things they're truly passionate about. She’s been predicting for years that AI will redefine everything from how we shop to how we work, and she believes this year will be a turning point for retailers—adapt now or risk falling behind.If you’re interested in learning more about the world of AI, Kelly is returning to our upcoming workshop in March to continue the conversation. For those who attended her last session, you’ll remember her insights and practical approach—she’ll be back soon to dive even deeper. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about AI’s potential in your business. Register Here. Don’t miss out!

Business confidence improved in the last three months of 2024 with an increasing number expecting an improvement in general economic conditions.The Institute of Economic Research's December quarter business survey shows a net 9 percent of respondents thought economic conditions would improve, compared with the September quarter when a net 4 percent thought conditions would get worse.However, the improving outlook did not filter through to firms' own trading activity, with a net 26 percent of firms reporting a decline in activity in their own business in the December quarter.Firms remained cautious about hiring and investment, with a net 17 percent of firms reducing staff numbers in the December quarter.NZIER deputy chief executive Christina Leung said a a notable proportion of firms also intended to reduce investment in buildings, and plant and machinery over the coming year.Among industry sectors, the building sector was most upbeat, with a net 29 percent of firms feeling positive about the general economic outlook for the coming months.This was a sharp turnaround from the 9 percent of building sector firms who felt pessimistic in the September quarter.While a significant proportion of building sector firms reported a contraction in new orders and output, but they expected a recovery in activity.The retail sector also remained upbeat about the general economic outlook.Leung said a notable proportion of retailers expected a recovery in the first quarter of 2025."While some retailers were able to raise prices, retail sector profitability remained weak as cost pressures intensified." she said."The services sector was also feeling optimistic about the general economic conditions and demand outlook ahead despite the current soft demand."The optimism in the retail and services sectors reflects the expectations that many households will likely face reduced mortgage repayments as they roll over to lower mortgage rates over the coming year."Sentiment in the manufacturing sector also improved, though the industry was less optimistic than other sectors.Manufacturers reported increased demand in the December quarter, especially when it comes to exports."The lower New Zealand dollar was likely to have supported export sales," she said."However, the combination of intensified costs and reduced pricing power continues to weigh on the profitability of manufacturers," she said.Cost and pricing indicators pointed to a continued easing in inflation pressures in the New Zealand economy.The proportion of firms reporting higher costs fell to 35 percent.However, the proportion of firms raising prices in the December quarter was still historically low at 10 percent."The weak demand continues to reduce capacity pressures, which in turn weighs on inflation pressures in the New Zealand economy," Leung said."This is reflected by the continued dominance of the lack of sales, which is reported by firms as the primary constraint on their business."

New Year, fresh start! If you’re looking for simple yet impactful marketing ideas to connect with your audience and grow your business, we’ve rounded up 10 approachable strategies to try in 2024.1. Start EarlyThe early bird gets the worm, and the same goes for marketing. Get ahead of the pack by planning your campaigns before the New Year rush. Map out your goals, get creative with content ideas, and make sure everything—from your website to your backend systems—is ready to go. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being prepared.2. Explore AIAI isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a handy tool that can make your marketing efforts smarter. Whether it’s chatbots to help with customer questions or analytics to understand what your audience wants, AI can save you time and boost results. The best part? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to start using it.3. Automate Where You CanAutomation is like having an extra set of hands. Use it to handle repetitive tasks, like sending out emails or scheduling social posts, so you can focus on brainstorming your next big idea. Think of it as working smarter, not harder.4. Keep the Creativity FlowingFresh content keeps your audience engaged. Play around with formats—short videos, quirky posts, heartfelt blogs—whatever works for your brand. The New Year is a great excuse to experiment and find new ways to tell your story.5. Tap into FOMOFear of missing out (FOMO) is a powerful motivator. Limited-time offers, exclusive deals, or early-bird discounts can make your audience feel like they’re part of something special. Make it fun, make it exciting, and make them want in!6. Be Social (The Right Way)Social media is about connection, not just promotion. Start conversations, share behind-the-scenes moments, and engage with your followers like you would with friends. Use polls, videos, and stories to make your content more interactive—and don’t forget to actually respond to comments and messages.7. Follow the DataWant to know what your audience cares about? Look at the data. See what they’re searching for or what’s trending, and shape your content around that. For example, fitness goals are big in January, so if your brand fits, create content that speaks to those resolutions.8. Try New ChannelsNew Year, new platforms! If you’ve been sticking to the same marketing channels, why not explore something new, like TikTok or Pinterest? People are open to fresh experiences at the start of the year, so it’s the perfect time to introduce your brand in unexpected places.9. Let Your Audience Create for YouUser-generated content (UGC) is like a gold star from your customers. Encourage them to share photos, reviews, or videos featuring your product. Run a contest or create a fun hashtag to make it easy for them to join in. Sharing their posts not only builds trust but also makes them feel appreciated.Final ThoughtsAt sparcgap, we believe in keeping things simple, creative, and human. Start where you are, use what you have, and take one small step at a time. Here’s to a New Year full of fresh ideas and exciting opportunities!

At a recent gathering, I shared a thought that didn’t exactly land well with the crowd.We were talking about our goals for 2025—big, ambitious ones. The energy in the room was high. Everyone was convinced they’d hit their targets this time, brushing off the goals they missed in 2024 as just minor setbacks.So I asked a simple question: “What will you do differently this year?”The response? “I’m just going to work harder.”I probed further: “Okay, but what, specifically, will you do differently?”After a moment’s hesitation, someone said, “Well, we need to post more on social, send more personalised emails… Maybe we should try TikTok? Do you think we should? I’m not much of a dancer, and it might be a bit young for us, right?”At that point, I couldn’t hold back:“If that’s the plan, it’s going to be the same story this year.”The room went quiet, and I quickly changed the subject.But here’s the hard truth: “Winging it” isn’t a strategy. Neither is just working harder.In eCommerce—and in business more broadly—effort without direction is like paddling upstream without a map. You’ll burn through your time and energy but won’t necessarily get anywhere meaningful.The businesses that doubled or even tripled their sales last year weren’t just lucky. They had a plan and changed things that didn't work. They knew what to do, when to do it, and how to adapt when things didn’t go as expected.As we step into 2025, it’s clear that success will come to those who are prepared for what’s next.Here are four key trends shaping the future of online retail in New Zealand and beyond this year, that you could potentially consider in your own planning:1. AI Agents Are Transforming eCommerceAI shopping assistants are set to revolutionise retail. Shoppers will use their own AI agents to find deals, compare products, and place orders effortlessly. Retailers will also leverage AI to predict trends, optimise stock, and provide hyper-personalised shopping experiences. This isn’t just futuristic—it’s happening now.2. Social Shopping Is Taking OffTikTok Shop is launching in Australia in early 2025, and New Zealand retailers should be ready to ride this wave. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest are evolving into virtual shopping malls. Creating shoppable content, hosting live streams, and collaborating with influencers will become essential strategies for growth.3. Subscription Models Are Getting SmarterSubscription services are evolving into highly personalised offerings. Using AI and predictive analytics, businesses will anticipate customer needs and offer flexible subscriptions that feel tailored. This trend isn’t just about convenience—it’s about deepening customer loyalty.4. Sustainability Is a MustKiwis care about sustainability, and they’re putting their wallets where their values are. In 2025, eCommerce brands will need to focus on eco-friendly packaging, carbon-neutral shipping, and ethical sourcing. Nearly half of consumers are actively choosing brands with strong sustainability credentials—this isn’t optional anymore.These trends are exciting, but here’s the thing: success won’t come from simply knowing what’s on the horizon. It comes from having a strategy—a clear, actionable plan that ensures your efforts are focused in the right direction.The question is, what will you do differently this year?

AI is infiltrating every part of our lives, and that includes Christmas.That is not to say Santa is replacing his elves with robots, but it certainly is changing some people's holiday habits. Particularly when it comes to shopping for presents.Simon McCallum is a senior lecturer of AI and computer science at Victoria University. He has heard of some consumers turning to the technology to make buying gifts easier."AI can help open up your mind to other options that you hadn't considered, because it's another voice," he said.One way to do it is by providing the AI with information about the person you are buying for and asking for recommendations.I tried it out for the Morning Report Secret Santa.I typed in that I needed to buy for a radio producer with a few other details, and both Chat GPT and Perplexity AI suggested a variety of self-care products, stationery and sleep aids to help with the shiftwork.They were useful suggestions, but lacking personality even when I tried adding more details.According to McCallum, that is because I was not careful with how I used it."Everything that has happened in the chat so far is part of the input. So, once it has recommended candles and you continue with that chat, it will think that candles are a good idea and it will keep talking about candles," he explained.But even for expert AI users, getting AI to choose your gifts is not the same as selecting them yourself, and it won't be something everyone supports."I think there are still a fairly large number of people who value personal effort. They don't want to have someone else suggest a present, they want to show that they care about the person because they have spent time thinking about it themselves."McCallum also warned that it will not be long until this use for AI becomes commercialised."We might soon see companies buying product placements in AI. So when you ask the AI for recommendations, it won't give you just any recommendations, it will give you product recommendations from people who have paid to give you those specific ones."However, it is not just gifts that AI can assist with. There are a myriad of uses that can make the festive season easier.Need a quick and easy Christmas card? Ask AI to generate one.Are you expecting guests with a variety of dietary requirements? Ask AI to help you plan a menu.Do you have a long drive with children looming? Simon McCallum has some ideas for you"I use the Chat CPT app on my phone, and I get my kids to play I Spy with it," he said."It's very smart. You take a photograph, and it will try and guess what you're thinking of, so you can play endless I Spy with it."

The number of job ads rose last month for the first time since July - but conditions remain tough for those looking for a job.The Seek Employment Report shows ads rose 1 percent in November, though applications per job ad also rose 3 percent month on month."While demand for workers in most industries has declined throughout the year there are some that have bucked the trend, notably banking & financial Services where ad volumes have boomed over the past two months," Seek country manager Rob Clark said.Growth in the industrial and construction sectors drove a large portion of the overall rise in November."There were nominal month-on-month rises in Wellington, Canterbury and Auckland which solidifies a period of relative stability for these regions over the past five months, after over a year of broad decline."But most of the largest hiring industries declined month on month including healthcare & medical (down 7 percent) and information & communication technology (down 6 percent).The Seek quarterly report on advertised salaries showed there was a 3.1 percent quarterly rise in the three months ended in November, or 3.1 percent on the year."Although the rate of annual growth continued to slow, average advertised salaries continue to outpace the annual inflation rate," Clark said."Government and government-related industries were among those that grew the fastest, with education & training, government and healthcare & medical among those that outpaced inflation more than twice over."

Removing the median wage requirement from the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) will make it much easier and affordable for businesses to fill skilled and unskilled roles, say employers.Immigration Minister Erica Stanford yesterday revealed the changes, which will take effect from March.BusinessNZ chief executive Katherine Rich said the vast majority of businesses used immigration responsibly and as a last resort to source skills that were not available in New Zealand.She said it was not a matter of being free to import cheap labour, as most of the jobs available required some level of skill and experience.But she said paying migrants a median wage - which was higher than the wage paid for New Zealanders - was a cost barrier that was not only inflationary, but made businesses uncompetitive."In some cases employers were having to pay over and above local workers to do the same job, which you can imagine creates some friction as well as inflation."Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young said retailers also had limited labour pools to draw on and sometimes needed migrants to fill minimum wage jobs, when there were no New Zealanders available to take those jobs."The need to pay median wage has been a barrier to using migrants to fill these roles," Young said.Rich said the changes to the AEWV were a step in the right direction, but more work was needed to make the immigration system fit for purpose."We foresee that demand for immigration will pick up again and businesses need to be able to rely on an immigration system that does not have unnecessary barriers and bureaucracy, and is timely and efficient."Employers and Manufacturers Association senior policy advisor Joanna Hall said the removal of the median wage requirement was timely for employers needing to remain competitive."We'd like to see an AEWV system that is well designed for all users and doesn't impose undue compliance processes and costs onto employers."Hall said further changes were needed to enhance New Zealand's international attractiveness as a country that welcomed talented and qualified migrants."These changes are positive steps, and we look forward to further moves by the government to help employers secure the skilled migrants that will increase the country's economic wellbeing," she said.Hospitality NZ chief executive Steve Armitage said the industry had long advocated for the removal of the median wage requirements, "as it was an arbitrary benchmark equating pay rates with skills that are needed".He said removing the 21-day advertising obligations would also ease the potential for processing delays, particularly over busy trading periods, such as summer.

Looking to use an AI chatbot like ChatGPT to streamline specific tasks but not getting the answers you want?You probably just need to write a better prompt.Luckily, it’s easy.Here’s a beginner’s guide on how to write an effective prompt to get your desired output. Provide context: Give the chatbot an idea of what you are hoping to achieve.Provide examples, historical data, or last year’s sales numbers if relevant so it has enough contextual information to work with.Ask the chatbot to roleplay: One easy way to get a more detailed answer is to ask ChatGPT to take on a role. Tell ChatGPT to play the role of a marketing expert with fifteen years of experience in a specific niche and you will garner way more details that way.Give clear guidelines: Set expectations when it comes to their response. Provide them with an estimated word count or format.Here’s an example of a clear and unclear prompt:Unclear prompt: Write me a few social media captions about my holiday sale.Clear prompt: Write me three Instagram captions that excite followers about my holiday sale. The sale will feature items that are up to 50% off. Each caption should be 20 words max.The clear prompt above specifies the desired word count and provides more details about the sale they are promoting, giving ChatGPT more overall direction.For more complex requests... break up your prompts into separate steps.For example, ask ChatGPT to read through your document first and then summarise it before helping you find some standout quotes to reference in your article.The takeaway?Be specific about your ask, provide context, and set clear guidelines. Don’t be vague about your request. The more detailed your prompt is, chances are you’ll get your desired answer.Sometimes, you won’t get the response you wanted, so ask follow-up questions or provide feedback to get more precise results.You’ll be an effective prompter in no time!

We had the chance to attend the WOBI conference in Sydney recently, and wow—it was full of thought-provoking talks! From AI to leadership, marketing to management, it was a goldmine of ideas. But instead of overwhelming you with every single takeaway, we wanted to focus on three ideas that feel especially useful for the businesses here in Central Otago.These lessons, from speakers world experts Marcus Collins, Gary Hamel, and Anne Chow, are practical and relatable—perfect for making small but meaningful changes in your business.Marcus Collins on Marketing: Go Beyond DemographicsLet’s talk about marketing for a minute. When you’re promoting your business, how often do you focus on things like age, income, or family size? Maybe you’re targeting “35-45-year-old women with kids,” and while that’s a start, it doesn’t tell you much about what makes those people tick.Marcus Collins really challenged this kind of thinking. He says, instead of looking at demographics, think about culture. What are your customers passionate about? What communities do they see themselves as part of? Whether they identify as foodies, mountain bikers, or dog lovers, those cultural identities shape how they behave and what they buy.For example, let’s say you’re selling coffee. Are you marketing to “people who drink coffee” or to “coffee enthusiasts”? That slight shift in focus can change your whole approach. A coffee enthusiast might care more about the origin of your beans or your unique brewing process. Speak to their passion, and suddenly, you’re not just another café—you’re their café.So next time you’re working on a campaign, ask yourself: what are my customers passionate about? How can I show them I’m part of their world?Gary Hamel on Management: Break Down the BarriersHere’s a big question for you: how easy is it for someone in your business, whether it’s a front line staff member or even yourself, to try something new? Gary Hamel’s advice was simple: businesses need to remove unnecessary red tape.The world’s moving fast, and businesses have to keep up. But sometimes, the way things are set up slows us down. Maybe your team has great ideas, but there’s no clear way for them to share or act on them. Or maybe decision-making gets bottlenecked because everything has to go through you. Sound familiar?Hamel suggested asking three questions:Are all your staff trained to spot opportunities or improvements?Do they have the resources to test new ideas, even on a small scale?Is innovation something you celebrate and hold people accountable for?Imagine if anyone in your business felt comfortable saying, “Hey, I have an idea!” and actually trying it out. Even something small, like a mini budget for experiments, could make a big difference. Plus, the more empowered your team feels, the more invested they’ll be in your business. It’s a win-win!Anne Chow on Leadership: Purpose Drives People“You can manage things, but you lead people,” says Anne Chow. Her leadership philosophy is all about purpose—why you do what you do and who you’re doing it for.Take Nike as an example. Their purpose isn’t just “we make sports apparel.” That’s the what. Their purpose is, “We aspire to bring innovation and inspiration to every athlete in the world. If you have a body, you’re an athlete.” This statement inspires their team, aligns their actions, and connects with customers on a deeper level.Anne recommends reflecting on these questions to uncover your team’s purpose:Who are your stakeholders—customers, employees, community members?Why do they care about what you do?What would happen if your group disappeared tomorrow?What’s the unique value you provide that no one else does?Purpose isn’t just a feel-good exercise; it’s a business advantage. When your team and customers understand your “why,” they’re more likely to stick with you and champion your cause.These three ideas—knowing your customers beyond the surface, empowering your team, and leading with purpose—are simple but powerful. They remind us that behind every successful business are real people, their ideas, and their connections.

Some Maniototo locals are concerned the proposed solar farm will turn the environment into an industrial toxic wasteland.A public meeting is being held tonight to discuss Helios resource consent to install half a million (550,810) solar panels and 32 shipping containers of lithium battery storage for its project near Naseby.Aurora whistleblower Richard Healey will be guest speaker.The former Delta manager quit his job eight years ago so he could speak out publicly about Aurora’s shortcomings with regard to its network.Richard is Dunedin based and had vast knowledge in energy infrastructure and delivery, and the aim of the meeting was to help people make an informed decision before submissions closed on December 19. A Facebook group had also been set up to share information with the community from those concerned about the solar farms potential impacts.The Facebook group claimed land prices would lose value if the solar farm went ahead, and there was also threat to the new nearby water sources for Ranfurly - with the Central Otago District Council currently drilling bores sites close to the site on the Naseby back road.Covering 660ha - several times bigger than the town of Ranfurly itself - other concerns included noise and visual pollution, and the fire risk from the huge batteries onsite.Affected landowner Rose Voice said the issues were bigger than just the Maniototo, with the current acquirer for the town water supply linked to the Taieri River.“This is bigger than just us. It’s bigger than Central Otago. This is a huge company and they’re trying to pull the wool over our eyes."Rose said at a public meeting a neighbouring landowner leasing land to Helios threatened her saying if she put in an opposing submission, he would have her exiled from the community, and ensured nobody supported her business.It had been a stressful time for Rose and her husband and family, “and it's ripping our community and families to bits.”Helios is a New Zealand company established in early 2020 when the founders recognised the potential for grid-scale solar developments to make a positive contribution to the existing New Zealand energy mix. Helios believed large-scale solar generation would make a meaningful and rapid contribution to New Zealand’s goal of reaching 100 percent renewable electricity generation by 2030, and would democratise the country’s energy market to help deliver a more secure andaffordable energy supply for the country. The application sought resource consent to construct, operate and maintain an approximately 300MWac photovoltaic solar farm, and associated infrastructure including battery energy storage, substation and transmission line infrastructure for renewable electricity generation.The public meeting tonight is being held at the Maniototo Rugby Clubrooms at 6pm.Have a story to share?Contact [email protected]

A slice of 1950’s history in need of some tender love and care is for sale. The Omakau District Memorial Community Centre - known as the Omakau Hall - on the main street of Omakau has been listed with real estate business Raine & Horne.The 430sqm building, on 875 sqm of land, needs someone with plenty of do it yourself (DIY) skills according to real estate agent Rhys Chamberlain.Rhys has marketed plenty of Central properties with unique features in the past including a former flour mill in Oturehua, but this is the first time a community hall has been on his books.“It’s only been on the market for three days and I’ve had a couple of inquiries already.“It’s on [the market] over the Christmas period so we will catch everyone in town.”“We don’t know what it is worth at all, the government valuation is around $265K, but with an auction we’ll have to see,” Rhys said. “There’s a bit of chatter about it and the locals are all aware it’s up for sale.”The property will be auctioned on January 24 at Raine and Horne’s office in Omakau.Proceeds from the sale of the hall will go towards the Omakau Community Hub project. Rhys described the hall as “a bit tired”, it has multiple rooms, including main hall, stage and backstage area, two smaller meeting rooms, a kitchen and bathrooms. The retro ticket booth at the entrance. PHOTO: Supplied There are exits out of the building into an outside area. The property is bordered on either side by presently operating local businesses.Rhys said at one point the hall was going to be demolished and turned into a green space back in 2007.“That didn’t happen, I’m not sure why.”The hall could be reinvented under a new owner with a vision and practical skills, Rhys said.The New Zealand History website states the hall includes the First and Second World War rolls of honour. The names of the fallen in The Great War 1914 -1918. PHOTO: NZ HistoryThe roll of honour from The World War 1939 -1945. PHOTO: NZ HistoryFacebook group Omakau and Ophir Community News reminded local community groups to check all equipment had been removed. The hall used to be used for childcare and by other groups. To find out more about the property contact Rhys Chamberlain. Read more: Omakau community hub progressingCheck out The Central App’s real estate section hereRead more: Cromwell memorial hall build $760,000 into contingencyHave a story to share?Contact [email protected]

Merry and bright Christmas displays are popping in Central as a fun competition returns for a second time.The Central App, with the support from sponsors Aurora Energy, Tall Poppy Real estate, Jamie's Jewellers, The Harvest Hotel and Central Interiors is running ‘Light Up Central’ with prizes up for grabs for houses and businesses.Clyde School Year 8 pupil Jackson Hill (13) has worked hard on his display for his family’s front garden.He has designed a Santa and a sleigh complete with two reindeer, cut them out of plywood and painted them and mounted everything, with a little bit of help from his mum and dad. Jackson said it took a month to create the display. “I started by designing it on my phone using a photo of our house. The main feature is Santa in his sleigh with the reindeer, all made from plywood. My dad helped me cut out the shapes, and then my mum took me to Resene's in Alexandra to pick out the perfect paints,’’ he said.“I spent the entire last weekend painting, and then I got creative with an old bike light and a Christmas decoration to make Rudolf's nose glow.“Huge thanks to my mum and dad for helping fund the supplies and lights. I'm stoked with how it's turned out.”Malcolm Hill and Jackson (13) work together to create Santa and his sleigh. PHOTO: Lisa Hill Mum Lisa said she was incredibly proud of his creativity and hard work.Jackson painted the display by hand. PHOTO: Lisa Hill “The display looks truly magical at night when the lights are on.”Jackson was inspired by his neighbours on Dunstan St who were the winners last year.He said his favourite part of Christmas was spending quality time with his family.“I love how Christmas brings everyone together, and we can all share in the joy and magic of the season. It's a special time to spread love, kindness, and Christmas spirit!.''There are more than 10 residential entrants and 27 businesses in Cromwell, Clyde and Alexandra and many are enjoyable to view during daylight hours as well as after dark.Some of the display at 10 Juniper Close, Alexandra. PHOTO: The Central AppTo enter you need to decorate your home or workplace with a festive display and then it will be added to a map, so residents and visitors can do their own self-guided tour of festive spots. It’s free to enter and you can sign up at any time.Light Up Central’s first prize is $1000 worth of home improvements, second place wins a night’s accommodation for two including breakfast, and third scoops $500 worth of jewellery.The business prize is a Business South membership.People need to vote online by January 4 for their favourite house and business. Winners will be announced on January 5. Alexandra’s Courthouse Cafe has an epic Christmas vibe this year. PHOTO: Supplied Read more: Joyful Christmas Trail at Jolendale Park this yearRead more: Sustainable Christmas tips for familiesHave a story to share?Contact [email protected] 

The streamlining of operations at two Cromwell aged care facilities will result in job losses and a reduction of caregiver hours.Several administrative and management jobs at both Ripponvale and Golden View Lifestyle villages have been displaced by the new owners Promisia Healthcare, as it moved to streamline its operations.The Christchurch-based company acquired both villages for $33million, taking over operations in August.Promisia currently operates other aged care facilities in Ranfurly, Feilding, Christchurch and Dannevirke.In a recent letter to families of residents, executive director Craig Percy said unfortunately, as they centralised administration and management oversight back to its Christchurch support office, there have been some staff losses.There were systemic issues with the way that Health NZ funded aged care in New Zealand, he said.“The sector is dramatically underfunded; however, our services are in high demand and therefore we need to make our service delivery sustainable. Excellence in quality care and safety remain our priority.”Registered nursing hours would be increasing at Ripponburn and staying the same at Goldenview, and catering services would be merged.Ripponburn Hospital and Home will be operated together with Golden View under new owners Promisia. FILE SHOT A total of 110 caregiver hours would be cut at Goldenview to make the business more sustainable, and single person transfers would be used where appropriate, rather than two staff members, except for when using hoists.The activities programmes were also being reduced across both facilities with support from caregivers, the letter stated.However, in response to questions from The Central App, Craig said through natural attrition and the redesign of rosters, they did not envisage there would be a material loss of frontline roles. “There will be a reduction of four administration and management roles across the two facilities. The Christchurch support office will provide additional administration and resources aimed at streamlining processes and clinical care across the Cromwell facilities.”In the coming weeks, further discussions would be held with staff aimed at finalising the allocation of hours and rosters, Craig said.Golden View was a 79-bed care facility that included a specialist dementia unit and 19 serviced apartments; and 102 independent living units with a communal facilities building and amenities area. Construction of the village was completed in 2021 and the care facility in 2022. Across the road was Ripponburn with just 16 independent living villas and a 46-bed care facility. Construction of the villas was completed in 2016, with recent improvements made to the village site and roadways. The care facility building was built in the 1930s and was near the end of its useful life, with the company looking to expand onsite, including new accommodation and further investment in specialised dementia care.According to statistics, Cromwell has 20 per cent of its population aged over 65, and the number of people living with dementia was expected to increase from around 70,000 today to almost 170,000 by 2050. Many of these people would require specialised residential care and support, and Golden View is the only village offering specialised dementia care in Cromwell.Know more?Contact [email protected]

Contact Energy’s Manuherikia Landscape and Visual Amenity Plan (LVAMP) is progressing ahead of its July 1 deadline.As a requirement of its Roxburgh Dam resource consent obligations, Contact must develop a landscape and visual amenity plan to manage the impacts of its operations.The plan is re-assessed every five years and engagement with stakeholders has begun for its next iteration.Contact Energy environmental advisor Jenny Bullock said the company was working with local community groups, key stakeholders, mana whenua, and had engaged an independent landscape architect.“The LVAMP purpose is to identify the areas and actions to address landscape and visual amenity effects from Contact’s generation activities. “This includes the excavation of sediment from the riverbed in the Alexandra reaches, including the Linger and Die area.”The reassessment was an opportunity to build greater connections with community groups working in this area, alongside potential to elevate native biodiversity through actions such as indigenous planting and control of invasive weed species, she said.“Following initial consultation with key stakeholders, we will create a draft plan and then we will seek input from the wider community. We’re aiming for a first draft to be available in late January 2025.’’Past work to comply with the Otago Regional Council resource consent obligations had been carried out by Wilsons Contracting.In early 2023, 73,000 cubic metres of gravel and sediment from the Manuherikia River near Galloway Bridge and the confluence with the Clutha River at Alexandra was removed.The Manuherikia River alongside the Linger and Die reserve in Alexandra. PHOTO: The Central AppSediment was stockpiled and trucked to designated disposal sites (such as Dry Gully) and some material from river beds was processed and used in building and roading infrastructure maintenance and construction.  The Central App will keep readers updated about the LVAMP for the Lower Manuherikia as information on the plan becomes available.Read more: Central Otago, Gore district councils unified on water servicesRead more: Toxic algae warning at Butchers DamRead more: Freshwater gold clam spread to South Island could be devastatingHave a story to share?Contact [email protected]