A Change of Guard
At the AGM in October we sadly farewelled James Scott as our Chair, and welcomed Andrew Howard. James has been Chair for three years and seen the board through a new committee, new General Manager, and recovering from lock downs to help businesses recover. “James has done a lot for the association in his time here and we really value that. We wish James the best and are glad he is staying on the committee to represent Helensville,” said Nicky Horsbrough, new Deputy Chairperson.
Andrew Howard represents Waimauku businesses and is a Business Strategist and Coach, having over 30 years on commercial and executive experience. Andrew is no stranger to governance and has sat on a number of boards including acting as Chair.
To complete the leadership team we have Nicky Horsrbough, Helensville, as Deputy Chair, and Kelly Perkinson, Riverhead, as Treasurer. We welcome all new members to the board and look forward to a great year ahead. Please head to our website to learn more about your local representative and how to get in contact.
Supporting Kumeu and Huapai Businesses with Flood Resilience
On October 14, businesses in Huapai and Kumeu workshopped a new initiative that could see them part of a pilot study to look at community-led flood resistance and resilience solutions.
With the Auckland Council Healthy Waters team stating that there are no feasible, community-wide flood mitigation solutions, it is seen as worthwhile in communities looking to see how they can adopt solutions together.
Sam Cooper, a local Stormwater Engineer from Holmes Group and Stormwater Engineer Jon Rix from Tonkin and Taylor presented a proposal to develop a Tool Kit of acceptable solutions, with a possibility of the Rodney Local Board and Auckland Council accepting these solutions which will enable funding to be attracted to the area.
Insurers will also be a part of the tool kit development where assurances will be sought that if solutions are put in place, businesses will then be able to obtain insurance cover.
North West Country will look to sponsor the project and support local businesses. Discussions are ongoing so look out for updates.
Christmas Window Dressing Competition
It is that time of year again when we celebrate all things North West with some Christmas Cheer. Now bigger than ever, we are opening the Christmas Window Dressing competition and have two prizes of $1500 to give away to the two best dressed buildings.
Go crazy, put your premises (or tradie van) on the map with lights, colour and bling and create more than just a place to shop for the holidays. More details can be found on our website www.northwestcountry.co.nz.
