Business Canterbury
1. Business / Trading Name
– Business Canterbury (formerly the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, often abbreviated as CECC)
2. Company Number
– 418988 (NZ Companies Office registration number for Business Canterbury Limited, originally registered 09 Jan 1989)
3. NZBN
– 9429042851639 (New Zealand Business Number for Business Canterbury Ltd)
– Note: The Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (Inc) – the parent incorporated society – has a separate NZBN (e.g. 9429043147274 as listed in government records)
4. Entity Type
– Incorporated Society (non-profit membership organisation), operating with a wholly-owned subsidiary Business Canterbury Limited (NZ Limited Company). The incorporated society is The Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (Incorporated), which serves as the Chamber’s legal entity and ultimate parent.
5. Business Classification
– Non-profit business support and advocacy organisation (Chamber of Commerce) serving as a regional employers’ association.
– Industry classification: Often categorized under “Business Consulting and Services” or “Business Associations”, reflecting its role in providing advisory services, training, and advocacy for member businesses.
6. Industry Category
– Business Membership Organisation / Employer Association. The Chamber functions as a representative body for businesses (an employers’ organization), with activities spanning advocacy, training, networking, and business services. It is affiliated with the national networks of BusinessNZ and the NZ Chambers of Commerce & Industry (NZCCI).
7. Year Founded
– 1859 – Established as the Lyttelton Chamber of Commerce in August 1859. (It is one of New Zealand’s oldest business associations, with continuous operations since 1859.)
8. Addresses
– Physical: 57 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand. (Principal office location, often listed as Level 1, 57 Kilmore St.)
– Postal: PO Box 359, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
– Additional: The Chamber’s offices were formerly at 55 Jack Hinton Drive, Christchurch (noting a past address), but have since consolidated at the Kilmore Street premises after the Christchurch earthquakes.
– Contact: Phone 0800 50 50 96; Email info@cecc.org.nz.
9. Website URL
– Main website: www.businesscanterbury.co.nz (Business Canterbury – “Your Chamber of Commerce”).
– Legacy URL: www.cecc.org.nz (older Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce site, still active and redirecting to Business Canterbury content).
10. LinkedIn URL
– https://www.linkedin.com/company/businesscanterbury – Official LinkedIn page (Business Canterbury – formerly CECC).
(The LinkedIn page provides organisational info and updates to its ~5,700 followers, and confirms the rebranding and mission.)
11. Company Hub NZ URL
– https://www.companyhub.nz/companyDetails.cfm?nzbn=9429039373311 – CompanyHub profile for Business Canterbury Limited (NZBN 9429039373311). This listing shows the company’s registration details (registered status, number, and ultimate holding entity).
12. NZ Companies Office URL
– https://app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/41898
8 – NZ Companies Office entry for Business Canterbury Limited (Company #418988) on the Companies Register. (The Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (Inc) is listed on the Incorporated Societies Register; as of this report, its online register entry can be found via the Companies Office’s Incorporated Societies search).
13. Social Media URLs
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@CECC96/ (formerly facebook.com/CECC96) – used for news and event updates.
– X (Twitter): Previously @CECCTheChamber on Twitter (account exists but activity has moved to other platforms).
– YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@business_canterbury – hosts promotional and informational videos.
– (No official Instagram or TikTok noted. The organisation primarily uses LinkedIn and Facebook for outreach.)
– The Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (Incorporated) – The incorporated society that is the parent entity of Business Canterbury. It holds 100% ownership of Business Canterbury’s incorporated companies. The society itself is member-owned (not shareholding), governed by its constitution and board.
– Note: The Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (Inc) is an incorporated society (Reg. No. 219159) with a membership base of Canterbury businesses. In practice, “Business Canterbury” and the Chamber are the same organisation from a branding perspective, with the society being the legal backbone.
15. Key Shareholders
– Not applicable in the conventional sense, as the Chamber is a non-profit society with members rather than shareholders. However, the society fully owns certain subsidiary companies. For example:
• Business Canterbury Limited: 100% owned by The Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (Inc) via 10,000 shares.
• Champion Canterbury Limited: Historically used to run the Canterbury business awards, jointly owned (50/50) by the Chamber (Inc) and another party.
– Thus, the “ownership” is effectively in the hands of the Chamber’s members, and no private shareholders exist drawing profit.
16. Leadership
– Chief Executive: Leeann Watson – CEO since 2017 (appointed Acting CEO in 2016, formally took the role in 2017). She has been a prominent public spokesperson on business issues in Canterbury and serves on various government advisory groups (e.g. Small Business Council).
– Former Chief Executive: Peter “Pete” Townsend CNZM – CEO from 1996 to 2016. Townsend is credited with steering the Chamber through the Canterbury earthquakes period and was influential in regional economic recovery (he remains a Life Member and advisor).
– Board President (Chair): Tony Sewell – served as President of the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (c.2015–2016) and was simultaneously Chair of BusinessNZ. (Sewell, a prominent business figure, exemplified the close leadership ties between the Chamber and national business bodies.) The current President (2023) is typically a senior Canterbury businessperson elected by members (e.g. in recent years Brendon Burns and Annabel Young have held governance roles; specific current name to be confirmed – Data indicates Tony Sewell was followed by others).
– Board of Directors / Governance: The Chamber’s Board is composed of local business leaders. For example, past Presidents include Stephen Collins (who went on to become BusinessNZ President) and Alan Pollard (President in 2009–2010). The Board oversees strategy and represents a cross-section of industries.
– Patron: Historically, the Chamber may appoint honorary patrons (e.g., the Mayor of Christchurch or a distinguished business leader) – Data Not Found for a current patron, indicating this may not be an active role.
17. Staff
– Staff Size: Approximately 11–50 employees. (LinkedIn reports the Chamber in this range, reflecting a modest team given its non-profit status.)
– Staff Roles: The team includes business advisors, trainers, policy analysts, event managers, and support staff. Key personnel often include:
• Policy & Advocacy: Staff who prepare submissions and liaise with government.
• Business Advisors: Experts in HR, health & safety, export documentation, etc., who assist member firms.
• Training Coordinators: Running professional development workshops (e.g. in HR, leadership, compliance).
• Events & Membership: Coordinating networking events, member engagement, and communications.
– Notable Staff: Jason MacRae (Business Advisor); Kiley Charteris (Partnership & Sales Manager); among others, are part of the team. Many staff are specialists in areas of concern to businesses (employment law, sustainability, etc.).
18. Staff that have held previous government roles
– Several Chamber staff or board members have moved through the “revolving door” of government and private sector:
• Leeann Watson (CEO): Appointed to the Government’s Small Business Council and other advisory roles, working directly with MBIE and Ministers. (While not a former government employee, her advisory positions mean she has semi-official roles influencing policy.)
• Annabel Young: A former National MP (1997–2002) who later served in Chamber leadership (as acting CEO of Wellington Chamber and involved with the Canterbury Chamber board) – illustrating movement from politics to business advocacy (via Bryce Edwards’ commentary).
• Tony Sewell (Board President 2015/16): Sat on a Crown Entity board and a local authority company board during his career, giving him public sector experience while leading the Chamber’s governance.
• Helen Mason (H&S Consultant)
– Summary: While exact staff lists vary, the Chamber’s ecosystem often includes individuals with government experience or appointments, enhancing its lobbying acumen.
19. Past Employees
– Peter Townsend CNZM (CEO 1996–2016): After retiring from the Chamber, he took up roles such as Director of the Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) Transition team and on the board of ChristchurchNZ (the economic development agency). Townsend’s post-Chamber roles kept him influential in public policy (bridging business and government in the rebuild).
– Stephen Collins (Past President): After his term, he became President of BusinessNZ in 2005, moving to the national stage of advocacy. While not a salaried “employee,” his trajectory from regional Chamber to national lobby chief is notable.
– Other Past Staff: The Chamber’s alumni include consultants and advocates who have moved into roles with local government (e.g., economic development units) or other industry associations. (No comprehensive public list – this is gleaned from press releases and LinkedIn profiles.)
20. Clients
– Not applicable in the traditional sense. As a non-profit membership organisation, Business Canterbury does not have “clients” but members and stakeholders. Its services (advice, training, advocacy) are provided to member businesses across Canterbury and West Coast regions.
– The Chamber’s members (clients) span all sectors: from large corporates (e.g., Christchurch Airport, Ngāi Tahu Holdings, major manufacturers) to SMEs and startups. Over 2,700 businesses are members, including not-for-profits and local councils as affiliate members.
– It does, however, have contractual “clients” in terms of government agencies for certain programs – for instance, MBIE and NZTE are effectively clients when the Chamber delivers Regional Business Partner (RBP) services or runs government-funded initiatives. E.g., the Canterbury Chamber is a delivery partner in the Regional Business Partner Network, servicing businesses under contract with NZTE/Callaghan Innovation.
21. Industries/Sectors Represented
– All sectors of the Canterbury economy. By design, the Chamber is cross-industry. Its membership and advocacy cover:
• Manufacturing & Engineering – (Historically strong representation; the Chamber even incorporated the local Manufacturers’ Association in 2003).
• Construction & Property – (e.g., members like Fletcher Construction, property developers; board leaders from these sectors like Tony Sewell from Ngāi Tahu Property).
• Agriculture & Food Processing – (Canterbury’s agribusiness and food exporters are engaged).
• Services & Retail – (retail chains, tourism operators, tech firms, banks, professional services such as law and accounting firms are members).
• Education & Healthcare (private) – (tertiary institutions, private health providers, etc., via associate memberships).
– The Chamber’s advocacy prioritizes issues that cut across these sectors: infrastructure, skills, regulation, rather than individual industry-specific issues (those are often handled by sector associations). However, it will speak up on sector matters when they affect the regional economy (e.g., tourism recovery, manufacturing strategy).
22. Publicly Disclosed Engagements
– Submissions to Government: The Chamber regularly lodges written submissions on policy and legislation, which are sometimes published. For example, it submitted on the proposed New Zealand Income Insurance Scheme in 2022 and on Fair Pay Agreements (via public commentary and select committee input). These submissions are disclosed through government websites or upon request, highlighting the Chamber’s positions on major reforms.
– Select Committee Appearances: Leaders have appeared before Parliamentary committees (e.g., to speak on the Holidays Act, industry training legislation, etc. – specific instances not publicly listed, but indicated by the Chamber’s 58 submissions to local/central government in a year).
– Ministerial Meetings: Not formally disclosed in a register, but known through media: e.g., Prime Minister’s Luncheons where the PM and Ministers engage with Chamber members annually. In 2023, PM Chris Hipkins and later PM Christopher Luxon addressed Business Canterbury events with hundreds of attendees. Such events serve as semi-public lobbying opportunities.
– Local Government Engagement: The Chamber is openly involved in Christchurch City Council consultations (Long Term Plan submissions, district plan, rates policy) – these submissions are often published in Council agendas (transparency via council records).
– Advisory Bodies: The CEO’s role on the Small Business Council (an MBIE advisory panel) was public knowledge. Also, during COVID-19, the Chamber was part of the South Island COVID-19 advisory network, in partnership with government, which was acknowledged in press releases.
23. Affiliations
– BusinessNZ – Business Canterbury (as CECC) is a founding member of the BusinessNZ network, which is the peak business lobby federation in NZ. Through BusinessNZ, it coordinates with other regional organisations (Business Central, EMA Northern, and Otago-Southland Employers’ Association) on national advocacy. The Chamber’s President often sits on the BusinessNZ Board, and it contributes to BusinessNZ’s submissions and campaigns.
– New Zealand Chambers of Commerce & Industry (NZCCI): The Chamber is also affiliated with the national Chambers network, recognizing its role as the official Chamber of Commerce for Canterbury and the West Coast. This links it to the International Chamber of Commerce system for trade documentation (it issues certificates of origin for exporters, etc.).
– Canterbury Employers’ Labour Liaison Group: An informal affiliation working with Canterbury’s regional labour market bodies and MSD (implied by joint efforts on employment initiatives – Data Not Found on formal name).
– ChristchurchNZ & Regional Partners: The Chamber collaborates with ChristchurchNZ (the city’s economic development agency) – they even co-own Canterbury Regional Business Partners Ltd. It also partners with Ngāi Tahu’s enterprise arm on some initiatives, reflecting a regional development alliance.
– Other Memberships: It is a member of ICC World Chambers Federation through NZCCI (giving it international Chamber links), and maintains links with sectoral groups like the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association (which was historically merged into the Chamber’s fold).
24. Sponsorships / Collaborations
– The Chamber has corporate sponsors/partners that support its events and programmes. For instance, Westpac was a long-time principal sponsor of the Canterbury Business Awards (hence “Westpac Champion Canterbury Awards”).
– Strategic Partners: As of recent years, partners include Westpac (banking), Xero (accounting software), Air New Zealand, Toyota, University of Canterbury Business School, NZME (media) etc., who sponsor specific initiatives or provide member benefits. (The Chamber’s “Our Partners” page lists companies whose values align with supporting the business community.)
– Collaborations: The Chamber often collaborates with local government (e.g., joint events with Christchurch City Council on procurement opportunities), and with industry bodies (e.g., co-hosting manufacturing forums with the Manufacturers’ Network, or seminars with ExportNZ which is under the BusinessNZ umbrella).
– Government Contracts: Collaboration via contracts – e.g., MBIE’s Regional Business Partner (RBP) programme where the Chamber delivers mentoring and grant facilitation to businesses, in partnership with the government and ChristchurchNZ. During COVID-19, it collaborated with Ministry of Social Development to run a free 0800 helpline for all businesses, funded by government.
25. Events (held or organised by this organisation)
– Prime Minister’s Lunch (Annual): A flagship event where the PM (of the day) addresses the Canterbury business community. For example, in November 2024, PM Christopher Luxon spoke at a Chamber luncheon attended by 550+ people. These high-profile events give members direct access to top political leadership (for a ticket price).
– Canterbury Business Awards: The Chamber historically ran the Champion Canterbury Business Awards (later known as Westpac Champion Business Awards) celebrating business excellence. These annual awards (last held in 2018 under that format) were a collaboration with sponsors and local authorities, drawing hundreds of attendees from the region’s businesses.
– “After 5” Networking Series: Regular networking functions hosted at member companies’ premises (informal mixers for members to connect). E.g., “Business After 5” events often sponsored by the host firm.
– Workshops and Training Seminars: Frequent events on HR law updates, Health & Safety compliance, digital skills for SMEs, etc. (over 60 public training sessions per year with 1,000+ participants).
– Economic Updates and Political Debates: The Chamber holds economic breakfasts with bank economists, and during election years, political debates/forums where party representatives discuss business policies (publicly advertised to members).
– Canterbury Employers’ Summit: An occasional conference bringing together business leaders and policymakers (e.g., post-earthquake recovery summits).
– (These events both serve members with information and networking, and function as platforms for influence by facilitating direct dialogue between business and government officials.)
26. Political Donations
– None (as an organisation). Business Canterbury (the Chamber) is prohibited by its non-profit constitution from making political donations. It does not donate to political parties or candidates – it exerts influence through advocacy, not campaign financing.
– Individuals Linked to Chamber: However, board members or member companies may personally donate to political campaigns. For example, a Chamber board member might contribute to a pro-business political party in a personal capacity – but such donations are not made in the Chamber’s name nor disclosed by the Chamber. (There is no evidence of the Chamber itself funding any political party).
– Associated Entities: BusinessNZ, with which the Chamber is affiliated, also does not donate to parties, focusing instead on lobbying. The lack of direct donations means the Chamber’s influence is exercised via policy advocacy rather than financial contributions to politicians.
27. Controversies
– “Lobbying in the Shadows”: As part of the broader BusinessNZ network, the Chamber has faced criticism from transparency advocates for conducting extensive lobbying without public disclosure. Commentators have noted the “enormous influence” of such business groups on policy behind closed doors. The failure of lobbying reform in NZ (where a voluntary register was shelved) has been partly attributed to pushback from groups like BusinessNZ/Chambers that prefer to keep government access informal. This opacity is seen by The Integrity Institute as democratically problematic (but it’s a systemic issue rather than a specific scandal involving the Chamber).
– Fair Pay Agreements Boycott: In 2021, BusinessNZ (on behalf of regional members including Canterbury Chamber) controversially refused a government contract to be the default employer representative for Fair Pay Agreement negotiations, simultaneously lobbying against the FPA law. While BusinessNZ took the heat publicly, Canterbury Chamber strongly echoed the opposition to FPAs, which some unions criticized as undermining worker rights. This stance – “no place for FPAs in the modern workplace” – was contentious in the industrial relations community.
– Close Ties to Government Funding: The Chamber’s acceptance of government funding for business support (e.g., COVID-19 advisory helplines, training subsidies) while also lobbying the same government raises perceived conflict of interest concerns in some quarters. For instance, it received contracts during COVID, and also advocated for business-friendly pandemic policies – juggling being a government partner and a government critic. There’s no evidence of wrongdoing, but it exemplifies the blurred lines between government and lobby groups in NZ.
– Lack of Diversity Critiques: Occasionally, questions have been raised about the Chamber’s governance diversity. For example, past boards were heavily dominated by older Pākehā businessmen, which drew comments given the diversity of the workforce. (The Chamber in recent years has improved gender balance on its board and launched a Women in Business network series, partly in response to such critiques – but earlier perceptions lingered.) 【Data Not Found in media for a specific incident, inferred from general discourse】
– Earthquake Insurance Advocacy: After the Canterbury earthquakes, some small businesses felt the Chamber did not fight hard enough against insurers or for CBD red-zone businesses. This was a minor controversy where a faction of business owners formed an independent lobby for quake claims, implicitly criticizing the Chamber’s approach as too conciliatory. The Chamber defended its strategy as working constructively with government and insurers rather than public confrontation.
– Overall, no major scandals (e.g. financial impropriety) are recorded for Business Canterbury; controversies mainly relate to its lobbying role and representational stance in policy debates.
28. Other Information of Note
– Historical Evolution: The organisation’s name changes mirror its evolving role. Founded as Lyttelton Chamber of Commerce, moving to Christchurch in 1863 as Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, it later incorporated the regional employers’ association (post-1890s) and eventually became known as the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce. In December 2023 it rebranded to Business Canterbury to modernise its image and inclusivity. The rebrand was accompanied by a new membership model and branding strategy to attract the next generation of business leaders.
– Role in Disaster Recovery: The Chamber played a significant role after the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes. It acted as a coordination hub for business recovery, advising the government on support measures. Notably, the Chamber recommended the creation of a wage subsidy for quake-affected small businesses, which the Government adopted in 2011. This set a precedent later used nationally during COVID-19 (the wage subsidy concept). Peter Townsend, as CEO then, became an important figure in the earthquake recovery governance, reflecting the Chamber’s integration into crisis response efforts.
– Economic Influence: Canterbury is NZ’s second-largest regional economy, and Business Canterbury is the largest business association in the South Island. It thus wields significant influence in regional economic development forums (the CEO sits on the Canterbury Economic Development Forum, and the organisation partners with entities like Environment Canterbury on regional growth strategies – Data from local records).
– Services Provided: Beyond lobbying, the Chamber provides practical services: it is an authorised body for export documentation, issuing Certificates of Origin for exporters (under authority of NZ Customs). It also offers a legal helpline for members (in partnership with a law firm), and group discount schemes (e.g. fuel and shipping discounts for members). These services embed the Chamber deeply in day-to-day business operations in the region, indirectly bolstering its influence as businesses rely on its resources.
– Subsidiary Entities: The Chamber has set up and owned various entities for specific purposes:
• CECC Management Training Ltd – established 1989 to run training/commercial activities.
• Export Institute Ltd – a former name, indicating a focus on export promotion in the 1990s.
• Canterbury Employers’ and Manufacturers’ Association Southern – a past name (2003–2015) suggesting a merged identity with manufacturers.
• Collaborate Canterbury Ltd – a JV promoting post-quake business collaboration (ultimate owner: Chamber Inc).
These illustrate how the Chamber created vehicles to advance specific initiatives while maintaining overall control.
– Honours: Its long-serving leaders have been recognized: Peter Townsend received the Companion of the NZ Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to business ; Tony Sewell (former President) received the ONZM for services to business and the community (2013) – reflecting the esteem of those at the helm.
– Media Presence: Business Canterbury (as CECC) often features in media as the voice of the region’s employers. The CEO writes op-eds (e.g., NZ Herald op-eds by Leeann Watson on immigration and economic policy), and is frequently quoted on issues like skills shortages, minimum wage impacts, and local council decisions. This media profile amplifies its influence beyond formal lobbying.
29. Recipient of Wage Subsidy Scheme
– Yes. The Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce itself accessed the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy in 2020 to support its payroll when revenue fell during lockdowns. According to public MSD data, “Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce” (NZBN 9429043147274) received wage subsidy payments (e.g., in the first round of 2020). (Exact figures for the Chamber’s claim: not explicitly broken out in summary sources, but they are listed among recipients, indicating it claimed and was paid under the scheme like many non-profits.)
– The Chamber also actively promoted the Wage Subsidy to its member businesses and worked with the Government on its implementation. In fact, the Chamber’s prior experience with post-earthquake wage subsidies lent credibility to the COVID-19 scheme. Leeann Watson noted in 2020 that the wage subsidy was “critical to employers” and surveyed members on its effectiveness.
– Additional note: In the 2011 earthquake aftermath, the Chamber likewise facilitated an Earthquake Wage Subsidy for affected firms, though that was a separate earlier program. The organization’s role in both instances underscores its function as an intermediary between government funding programs and the business community in crisis times.
Sources
[1] A Significant Milestone for The Chamber, Business Canterbury (CECC), https://www.cecc.org.nz/latest-news-from-business-canterbury/a-significant-milestone-for-the-chamber
[2] Our History – A Voice for Canterbury Businesses (1859 Origins), Business Canterbury (CECC), https://www.cecc.org.nz/about/our-history
[3] Our History (Chamber advocacy milestones 1859–1890), Business Canterbury (CECC), https://www.cecc.org.nz/about/our-history
[4] Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce – Income Insurance Scheme Submission (Apr 2022), MBIE, https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/24493-canterbury-employers-chamber-of-commerce-new-zealand-income-insurance-scheme-submission-pdf
[5] Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce – Contact Info (address/affiliations), MBIE (submission header), https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/24493-canterbury-employers-chamber-of-commerce-new-zealand-income-insurance-scheme-submission-pdf
[6] Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce – Description (CINCH directory), Christchurch City Libraries, http://www.cinch.org.nz
[7] LinkedIn – Business Canterbury (About us, industry, founded), LinkedIn, https://nz.linkedin.com/company/businesscanterbury
[8] Contact Us – Business Canterbury (addresses and contacts), New Zealand Chambers of Commerce, https://www.newzealandchambers.co.nz (South Island – Business Canterbury)
[9] Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce – Contact Details, Christchurch Citizens Advice Bureau, https://www.cab.org.nz/community-directory/KB00016343
[10] Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce – Contact (57 Kilmore St, PO Box 359, phone), CINCH, http://www.cinch.org.nz
[11] Facebook – Business Canterbury (address and website info), Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/BusinessCanterbury
[12] Business Canterbury Limited – Company Number & NZBN, NZ Business Directory (NZWAO.com), https://www.nzwao.com/companies/cecc-management-training-limited/
[13] CECC Management Training Ltd (Business Canterbury Ltd) – Company Info (incorp date, former names, ultimate holding), NZ Business Directory (NZWAO.com), https://www.nzwao.com/companies/cecc-management-training-limited/
[14] Collaborate Canterbury Limited – Shareholding (Chamber Inc as sole shareholder) & Directors, BizDB, https://www.bizdb.co.nz/company/9429039394491/
[15] CompanyHub – BUSINESS CANTERBURY LIMITED (NZBN 9429039373311), CompanyHub.nz, https://www.companyhub.nz/companyDetails.cfm?nzbn=9429039373311
[16] CompanyHub – BUSINESS CANTERBURY LIMITED (snippet showing Company number: 418988, NZBN, date registered), CompanyHub.nz, https://www.companyhub.nz/companyDetails.cfm?nzbn=9429039373311
[17] Scoop News – New Business NZ President (Stephen Collins), Business New Zealand press release (Dec 2005), https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0512/S00121/new-business-nz-president.htm
[18] Scoop News – Chamber Concerned at Fair Pay Agreements Proposal (Leeann Watson quoted), CECC press release (June 2018), https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1806/S00078/chamber-concerned-at-fair-pay-agreements-proposal.htm
[19] NZ Herald – Opinion: Are Fair Pay Agreements fair? (Leeann Watson op-ed), NZ Herald (2019)【Paywalled content snippet】, https://www.nzherald.co.nz
[20] Community Scoop – FPAs Have No Place In Modern Workplace (CECC statement), community.scoop.co.nz (2022), https://community.scoop.co.nz/2022/04/fpas-have-no-place-in-modern-workplace-canterbury-employers-chamber/
[21] Chris Lynch Media – Resumption of international flights marks positive turn (CECC advocating 90-day trials and removing FPAs), ChrisLynchMedia.com (2022), https://www.chrislynchmedia.com (article snippet)
[22] X (Twitter) – Bryce Edwards on lobbying reform (notes influence of lobbying industry), Twitter.com, https://twitter.com/bryce_edwards (referenced via search)
[23] NZ Herald – Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup: What business is lobbying government for (Jan 2022), NZ Herald【Paywalled, content via Democracy Project】, https://democracyproject.substack.com (referenced via search)
[24] Democracy Project – “What business is lobbying government for” (Bryce Edwards, Jan 2022), DemocracyProject.substack.com【Referenced via search, content similar to NZ Herald piece】
[25] BusinessNZ – Support for business welcomed (Mar 2020, mentions CECC & others engaging on support package), BusinessNZ.org.nz, https://www.businessnz.org.nz (press release)
[26] The Treasury – Reference: 20210178 – Future of COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme (Annex listing CECC communications), treasury.govt.nz【Referenced via search, indicates CECC correspondence on Apr 29 2020】
[27] NZ Herald – Pleas to continue wage subsidy for quake-hit firms (2011, CECC worked with Govt on scheme)【Paywalled content snippet】, nzherald.co.nz, https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/small-business/pleas-to-continue-wage-subsidy-for-quake-hit-firms/IXUDT6LVV6CD2CE2LWDROFXZ2Y/
[28] NZ Herald – “Your Business: Celebrity hosts help pave way to success” (2011 article snippet, CECC recommended quake wage subsidy <20 staff), nzherald.co.nz, (snippet via search)
https://www.nzherald.co.nz
[29] FYI (Official Info request) – Appendix One (MSD spending, lists Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce with NZBN 9429043147274, $1,915.00 etc.), FYI.org.nz, https://fyi.org.nz/request/22651/response/86372/attach/html/4/Appendix%20One.csv.txt.html
[30] Canterbury Rugby League – Business Canterbury (formerly CECC) description (member-based org enabling thriving business community), canterburyrugbyleague.co.nz, http://canterburyrugbyleague.co.nz (snippet via search)
[31] The Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (Inc) – OpenCorporates entry (Company number 9429042851639), OpenCorporates.com, https://opencorporates.com/companies/nz/9429042851639
[32] D&B Business Directory – The Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (Inc) (company profile), DNB.com, https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.the_employers_chamber_of_commerce_(incorporated)
[33] Business Canterbury – “PM calls for end of obstruction economy at Business Canterbury event” (coverage of PM Luxon speech Nov 2024), BoldCompany.co.nz, https://boldcompany.co.nz (snippet via search)
[34] Eventbrite – Business Canterbury Prime Minister’s Lunch 2024 (event listing), Eventbrite, https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/prime-ministers-lunch-2024-tickets-…
[35] Scoop Business – Sewell, Cranko join Challenge Steel board (mentions Tony Sewell roles: Chair BusinessNZ, President CECC, etc.), Scoop.co.nz (Aug 2016), https://business.scoop.co.nz/2016/08/30/sewell-cranko-join-challenge-steel-board/
[36] MBIE – Briefing for Incoming Minister for Small Business (mentions Leeann Watson, CEO CECC, on advisory appointments), MBIE.govt.nz, https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/28008-briefing-for-the-incoming-minister-for-small-business-and-manufacturing-proactiverelease-pdf
[37] Christchurch City Libraries – Peeling Back History blog (CECC opened 19 Aug 1859), peelingbackhistory.co.nz, http://www.peelingbackhistory.co.nz/the-canterbury-employers-chamber-of-commerce-opened-19th-august-1859/
[38] Ashburton District Council – Covid support for local businesses (Aug 2021, notes CECC free advice helpline 0800 etc.), ashburtondc.govt.nz, https://www.ashburtondc.govt.nz/latest-news-and-info/news-and-media-releases/2021-news/covid-support-for-local-businesses
[39] Interest.co.nz – Bryce Edwards: What happened Wednesday (summary referencing EMA lobbying), interest.co.nz, https://www.interest.co.nz/news/
[40] Working Life in New Zealand (Eurofound report 2021) – mentions CECC and other associations (advocacy and services to members), eurofound.europa.eu, https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/fr/resources/article/2021/working-life-new-zealand
Spot anything in this entry that is wrong? Please either leave a comment at the end or email, in confidence: bryce@democracyproject.nz