We celebrate the 1st anniversary of the entry into force of the NZ - EU Free Trade Agreement this week. Delighted to be hosting an Auckland Business Chamber delegation in Warsaw next month! Learn more about the visit in this @1NewsNZ story: https://t.co/NiGDRDiHma @PAIH_pl

With bold ambition, leadership alignment, coordination across sectors, and a mix of private and public investment, Auckland can become a global tech powerhouse. Read the Auckland Tech Council's full report: https://t.co/i0Ra3gYAPr #TechHub #Auckland #AucklandTechCouncil

Very robust debate tbf. @NicolaWillisMP wins the room with her comment of “economic vandalism” by Labour.

Great opening gag by @grantrobertson1 at the Mood of the Boardroom breakfast at the Cordis: “it’s good to be here at the Grafton Socialist Club.”

It’s now easier than ever for businesses to apply to join @NZ_Customs' Secure Exports Scheme, which helps exporters save time and money at the border. Applications can be made online through Business Connect at https://t.co/qDSinnfrvs #newzealandexporters

Air India aims at being a global powerhouse – and NZ is on the radar, and it could be a game-changer for many Kiwis and Indians living in Aotearoa @NZinIndia @IndiainNZ @inzbc @simonjbridges @airindiain https://t.co/U0P7bCITB5

#IndiaNZ HC had the pleasure to meet Mr. @simonjbridges, CEO of @aklchamber & discussed ways to increase cooperation b/w businesses of India & NZ. @meaindia1 @inzbc @MEAIndia @PiyushGoyal @investindia @NZinIndia @makeinindia @PIB_India @nzheraldbiz @nzbusiness @InvestAuckland

Really enjoyed having a chat with ⁦@simonjbridges⁩ on his Podcast “Generally Famous” 💜💜

Good opening gag by PM Hipkins at APEC business conference in Auckland this evening. “I’d like to tell you I braved the weather to come up for this conference. But I was up last night to see Ed Sheeran… Us gingers have got to stick together.” 😆

The @aklchamber has heard from many businesses who are facing immense challenges -we're here to help, phone 0800 005 605 for any assistance or check out our online resource that's your central place for useful information and latest updates 👇 https://t.co/EEZEnaCZAi

Insurance companies and our banks must also lead. It’s been great to see strong policies around assistance already coming out from some banks. Our SMEs will need this wrap around support. Thank you to everyone out in droves working to keep us safe and sound.

The country needs the affected Auckland and Upper North Island businesses back on their feet as soon as possible. This must be a team effort where everyone steps up and plays their part. This doesn’t just fall on government’s shoulders.

The main challenges are damages from the weather, timeframes to get insurance - and in some cases a lack of insurance - and loss of incomes. Businesses with substantial damage will find it hard to land tradespeople to repair premises -it will all take time.

The use of such a fund is a well-worn path from other emergencies, and it allows discretion and flexibility due to the changing nature of what is needed each day. My hope? That any support wouldn’t be need for long.

Financial assistance to businesses suffering from a decline in short-term cashflow due to the floods was discussed and it’s clear, the Mayoral Relief Fund would be the vehicle for any respite.

It was a productive, solutions-focused meeting that provided the confidence in Auckland’s official emergency response to the floods.

Yesterday, business associations, including the Auckland Business Chamber, met with the Mayor, Minister of Finance, Minister of Economic Development and local and central government agencies.

2/2 Businesses will remain anxious until flooding subsides. The cost we’re yet to grasp but will be enormous. The next step for some is to contact your insurer. I’ll be contacting the Mayor about the Mayoral Relief Fund & how we can work together to provide relief. Keep safe!

1/2 The unprecedented flooding has wreaked havoc for businesses. A local state of emergency has been declared, and will remain in place for 7 days. The @aklchamber is here to provide support to business experiencing vulnerability. Please get in touch for any relief you may need.

The @aklchamber hosted PM @chrishipkins yesterday for his first meeting with Auckland business leaders. It was a wide-ranging and constructive discussion centred on the major issues and pressure points confronting business.