The key to Wellington’s prosperity lies in the strength of its business sector.

An important function of the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce is its lobbying and advocacy.  This is done on behalf of Wellington businesses with a view to enhancing the region’s business environment. 

The Chamber endeavours to influence policy makers at the local, national and international level.  We promote sound policies that reflect the interests of the region’s business community without seeking special benefits. 

Economic policy, trade negotiations, business tax, local government (funding and policy), land and air transport and energy policy are all major issues for the Chamber.  We work closely with local and central Government as well as other industry organisations to achieve our policy goals.

When it comes to national and international issues we often work on behalf of or in conjunction with the other regional chambers making up the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce and Industry.  On regional issues (beyond those confined specifically to Wellington city) we will work with the other Chambers in the Wellington regional hub.

We carefully monitor developments in the Wellington and New Zealand economies to help inform our decision making on policy issues.  Click here for the Chamber’s monthly economic commentaries.

We conduct a quarterly survey of business confidence which is used to measure employment and investment intentions as well as gauge how the mood of Wellington businesses is evolving.  The survey is increasingly becoming a useful economic indicator of the region’s prospects relative to the rest of New Zealand.
 
We also regularly survey our members to gauge feelings of Wellington businesses on local issues.  The results of these surveys help us formulate policies and strategies in the interests of our members.

The Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce is the predominant business group lobbying specifically on Wellington issues.

We work closely with all of the local authorities in the region as well as the various council controlled organisations and stakeholder groups.  Around 60% of rates collected by the councils in the Wellington region are directly paid by businesses and so it is important our voice is heard.

We have input into the various council annual plans including rates.

We have had an important contribution to the debates around Transmission Gully and improved air links for Wellington.

We regularly survey our members to gauge feelings of Wellington businesses on local issues.

Responding to policy issues emanating from central Government represent a major part of the lobbying and advocacy work of the Chamber.

The Chamber is apolitical and has good relationships with all political parties.  Policy positions are adopted on their merits.  We promote sound policies that reflect the interests of the region’s business community without seeking special benefits.  

We work closely with most Government departments on a day-to-day basis and have good linkages with key people.

Much of or work on national issues is done on behalf of the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce.
We regularly make submissions to Select Committees on Bills before Parliament, and on other policy proposals from Government.  Click here for access to submissions on various national issues the Chamber has made.

We are regularly approached by government to represent the views of small to medium sized businesses and are frequently invited to represent business on Government working groups (eg workplace productivity).

Export returns are becoming increasingly important to Wellington’s economy.  Around 20% of the Chamber’s members export – the majority of these are service providers. 

For this reason, the Chamber is active in influencing and assisting the New Zealand Government’s trade negotiators in its multilateral and regional trade negotiations.  Our large network of business members means the Chamber is an important bridge between the private sector and Government.

The majority of Wellington’s exporters are service providers.  As part of our international lobbying work we are members of the Global Services Coalition.  This is a coalition of industry organisations from around the world committed to increased trade and investment in services.

The Chamber is also New Zealand's representative on the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry.  This is the premier regional organisation of Asian business enterprises.  It seeks to serve as a forum for promoting the vital role of businesses in the region, increasing regional business interaction, and enhancing regional economic growth.

As well as lobbying on international issues on behalf of our members, the Chamber offers practical help with exporting, importing and other business matters here and overseas. This can be found under our International Business section of the site.