Minutes of Economic Development Committee

Palmerston North City Council

Minutes of the Economic Development Committee Meeting Part I Public, held in the Council Chamber, First Floor, Civic Administration Building, 32 The Square, Palmerston North on 09 October 2017, commencing at 9.04am

Members

Present:

Councillor Adrian Broad (in the Chair), The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Rachel Bowen, Lew Findlay QSM, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas, Aleisha Rutherford and Tangi Utikere.

Apologies:

Councillors Gabrielle Bundy-Cooke, Jim Jefferies and Duncan McCann.

Councillor Vaughan Dennison entered the meeting at 9.06am during consideration of clause 42. He was not present for clause 41.

41-17

Apologies

Moved Adrian Broad, seconded Lorna Johnson.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the Committee receive the apologies.

Clause 41-17 above was carried 12 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Rachel Bowen, Adrian Broad, Lew Findlay QSM, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas, Aleisha Rutherford and Tangi Utikere.

42-17

Presentation - CB Norwood Distributors

Presentation, from Tim Myers, Chief Executive.

Councillor Vaughan Dennison entered the meeting at 9.06am

CB Norwood are a leading tractor and machinery distribution group that had been in business since 1912, with the head office located in Palmerston North from 1980. There were 18 branches and 40 dealerships nationwide and the business was due to go through a major rebranding in 2018. They were aiming to become a more relationship based company rather than transaction based as it is now.

There were a number of reasons for being based in Palmerston North, such as a 24 hour airport services, seamless integration with land transport services, growing linkages with Massey, low cost of living and low cost distribution. The company were also able to provide off season testing for international companies.

Young employees were motivated by a social conscience and being a supportive employer offering opportunities for staff such as having a work/life balance, creating opportunities within roles and benefits such as Health insurance assisted in retaining talent in the region.

The company provided sponsorship for a number of events and was proud to be located in Palmerston North.

Moved Leonie Hapeta, seconded Lorna Johnson.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the Economic Development Committee receive the presentation for information.

Clause 42-17 above was carried 13 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Rachel Bowen, Adrian Broad, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay QSM, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas, Aleisha Rutherford and Tangi Utikere.

43-17	Presentation - Mayors Taskforce for Jobs Presentation, from James Mather, Taskforce Coordinator. A large proportion of youth do not have a full drivers licence and yet is an essential skill for many jobs even if it is just to be able to get to work. However obtaining a licence can be expensive with lessons and tests (and re-sits) costing individuals large sums of money. Schools needed to be involved more to allow students to interact with employers at an earlier level, not just year 13. There was not such a strong focus on trades in schools with University education still be seen as the main option. It would be extremely beneficial if students could obtain drivers licences through school programmes. The Taskforce were asking Councils to sign up to the Youth Employment Pledge, which aims to get Councils to promote businesses to work together to also take the pledge to get youth into training or employment. Employers are stating that the young don’t want to work and youth are saying they cant find jobs, so there is a need to match between the two to find common ground. In discussion elected members agreed that the Work Ready Pledge was a positive step and one that Council should be taking the lead on.
	Moved Rachel Bowen, seconded Karen Naylor. The COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS 1. That the Economic Development Committee receive the presentation for information.
	Moved Vaughan Dennison, seconded Grant Smith. 2. That Council commit to signing the Youth Employment Pledge.
	Clause 4443-17 above was carried 13 votes to 0, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Rachel Bowen, Adrian Broad, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay QSM, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas, Aleisha Rutherford and Tangi Utikere.

44-17

Presentation - Association of Local Government Information Management (ALGIM)

Presentation, from Mike Manson, Chief Executive

ALGIM’s mission is to create world-class Local Government ICT sector through thought leadership, professional development, networking and collaborations and Research. While it has a focus on the IT Sector they continue to focus on Records Management, GIS, Customer Services and web and digital spaces and run an Awards programme in these areas. Three national conferences per year attract international speakers and provide opportunities for collaboration between Councils.

ALGIM has been located in Palmerston North for ten years after moving from Wellington due to costs. All Councils across New Zealand were members which meant benefits were available to all employees of Council.

ALGIM completes website audits of all local authorities, ranking them from 1-78. Palmerston North City Council is currently ranked two and also undertake an annual mystery shop of Council to gauge customer experience.

As part of LOLA (Local Organisation of Local Authority ICT Societies) ALGIM presents at many international events promoting the organisation and Palmerston North.

Moved Leonie Hapeta, seconded Karen Naylor.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the Economic Development Committee receive the presentation for information.

Clause 44-17 above was carried 13 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

45-17

Confirmation of Minutes

Moved Susan Baty, seconded Tangi Utikere.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the minutes of the Economic Development Committee meeting of 11 September 2017 Part I Public be confirmed as a true and correct record.

Clause 45-17 above was carried 13 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

46-17

Committee Work Schedule

Moved Adrian Broad, seconded Aleisha Rutherford.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the Economic Development Committee receive its Work Schedule dated October 2017.

Clause 46-17 above was carried 13 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The meeting finished at 10.32am

Confirmed 13 November 2017

Chairperson