Business North Harbour (BNH) would like to thank the members, associate members and all interested parties who attended the re-scheduled 2021 Annual General Meeting of BNH Incorporated on November 4th at 4pm. Due to Alert Level restrictions, the event for the first time in our history was held online with attendees invited to speak and vote in the same way as if it was an in-person meeting.
In their respective capacities, Peter Lamberton and Kevin O’Leary as Chair and General Manager respectively, both outlined the challenges and highlights of the 2020/21 financial year as BNH navigated its way through the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. The overarching strategy and business plan for the current year through to June 2024 was also outlined to attendees.
The 2020/21 financial year was unique in its nature as BNH, like all our members, had to deal with the ongoing pandemic and its associated lockdowns and Alert Levels. Despite these challenges and following a successful pilot, we engaged two part-time BNH Ambassadors to improve member awareness of and engagement with BNH, which remain of paramount importance to the organisation.
This improved engagement served to enhance our communications across a variety of platforms, including the new BNH mobile app, as key messages and information were reaching more members as the accuracy of our membership information improved. This meant that, in line with our main priority of providing ongoing support for members post Covid-19, BNH has been able to maintain its provision of up-to-date information, links and resources to members, regarding Government and other support for businesses and property owners.
In line with the feedback from our annual Member Survey, BNH were able to offer programmes, services and a full calendar of events and workshops, tailored to the identified needs of members, all aligned to the 3 C’s, Connect, Communicate, Collaborate. This included the introduction of a Women in Leadership Mentoring Programme in partnership with Massey University. Flexibility was key to the success of any initiative as Alert Levels changed, with all BNH events, programmes and services adapting to meet any relevant Government guidelines.
BNH has continued to provide consistent messaging about supporting local business by shopping local, buying locally produced goods and utilising locally available services. Additionally, our Buy North Harbour Facebook page, where all members can post for free, provides another platform for members to promote their goods and services, along with the Business Directory on the BNH website, which has seen a notable increase in online traffic.
Advocacy remained a key priority for BNH. Feedback was provided to Auckland Council and Auckland Transport (AT) on a variety of topics including the Council Long-Term Budget 2021/31 and Local Board Priorities, Council Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund Review, Council Revenue and Financing Policy Amendments, Draft Upper Harbour Local Board Plan, Plan Change 473 Albany Highway and 26 Transport Projects.
One key advocacy initiative that members have supported for the past couple of years has seen the development of a working group for the Activate North (formerly Shore Unity) initiative. The group, who are aiming to become a key advocate and influencer in the development of the wider region from Devonport to Orewa, have developed a strategic project plan and are aiming to launch a media release and website in the coming weeks.
The Annual Financial Reports to June 30th 2021, were presented to the satisfaction of attendees along with key performance measures for the current financial year. Additionally, the draft budget for the 2022/23 financial year which includes a 1% increase in the targeted rate was approved.
There was one change to the Executive Committee as Ashley Baldry stepped down from his position after two years to be replaced by TN Chan. BNH sincerely thanks Ashley and the remaining Board members for their work and contributions to the organisation and extends a warm welcome to our new Executive Committee member.
