| Newsletter 5 December 2024 |
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Ho ho ho, Kia ora from the New Zealand Chamber!
As the year winds down and the holiday cheer picks up, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what a fantastic year it’s been for our Chamber community. A huge thank you to each and every one of you for your support, collaboration, and the incredible energy you bring to this community!
We don’t have a ton of updates this time around, but we couldn’t let this newsletter go by without sending some festive gratitude your way. And of course, we’re super excited to see many of you at the Christmas Trivia event tonight! It’s going to be a blast to wrap up the year with some friendly competition, fun prizes, and plenty of laughs.
So, let’s raise a glass (or a pen for those trivia questions!) to a wonderful year, stay safe, and get ready to kick off the holiday season in style. Can’t wait to see you all there!
Warm regards, Melissa Holck Executive Director New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, Singapore |
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Corporate Member Spotlight |
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| Baker & Cook is Singapore's foremost artisan bakery and foodstore, established in 2012. With 13 outlets island-wide, Baker & Cook takes pride in its exceptional sourdough, while offering a diverse range of handcrafted pastries and cakes made using time-honoured processes and quality ingredients. Providing you and your family with only the finest. |
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| SAVE THE DATE | Waitangi Day 2025 |
| FREE Event!
Date: Sunday, 16 February 2025 Time: TBC Venue: Australian International School
The New Zealand Chamber proudly presents Waitangi Day Family Celebration 2024, a day for all New Zealanders to celebrate their amazing country, culture and community and come together as one people.
And #WD2025 is going to be a blast, held at the beautiful Australian International School (AIS) Junior Campus!
Registrations and calls for vendors will be open in January, so do stay tuned! |
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Members News & Promotions |
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| Celebrate Christmas at Home with Fairmont Singapore & Swissôtel The Stamford |
| This festive season, elevate your celebrations with our exclusive Christmas at Home offerings. Whether you’re planning a cosy gathering with loved ones or searching for the perfect gift, our curated collections bring the magic of Christmas right to your doorstep.
Delight in our signature festive bundles, including the Natale con Prego bundle, crafted by one of Singapore’s oldest and most beloved Italian restaurants. Choose from a variety of indulgent roasts, such as succulent Christmas Turkey and Gammon Ham, alongside desserts such as Grand Cru Chocolate Yule Log Cake curated by our award-winning culinary team to sweeten your celebrations.
Enjoy an 8% discount with promo code "CAHNZC8" for orders placed from 25 November to 20 December. Additionally, receive an extra 5% off when you opt for self-collection upon check-out. |
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| New Zealand Tax Update - By Des Trigg |
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Can You Still Trust a Trust?
The landscape for NZ trusts has changed significantly. The changes primarily involve increased reporting obligations, heightened personal liability for trustees, and the increase to 39% in the tax rate applied to trustee income. These developments have prompted many "trust owners" to consult their advisers about winding up their existing trusts.
Previously, there were notable tax advantages, such as distributing trust income to minor beneficiaries without incurring a tax cost. Additionally, it was not necessary to physically allocate such income; it could be retained within the trust and recorded as a debt to the beneficiary. However, under the new rules, income distributed to a minor beneficiary is taxed as trustee income at the trustee rate. This means certain tax minimisation advantages have disappeared overnight.
That said, it’s important not to dismiss family trusts entirely. Creditor protection remains a key benefit. For individuals engaged in professions or industries exposed to potential liability claims, having assets (e.g., the family home) held in a family trust can provide a degree of protection. This is effective as long as the transfer of assets was not done with the intent to defeat an actual or potential claim against you.
Disclaimer This update is provided by Des Trigg, CA Tax Consultant of Auckland. The content is for information only and should not be acted upon without professional advice. Neither the author nor any staff accepts any liability to any other party.
Des Trigg CA Tax Consultant Mobile: +64 21 768 967 Email: des@destrigg.co.nz |
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Name: Helen Paul-Smith Company and Position: Co-Founder & Director ŌKU New Zealand
Can you share the story behind ŌKU New Zealand and how the idea for the brand was born? ŌKU New Zealand was founded in 2010 by Helen Paul-Smith and Scott Smith, both experienced in herbalism and naturopathy. The idea for the brand emerged from their shared commitment to blending ancient wisdom with modern wellness practices. Inspired by native New Zealand plants, ŌKU was created to offer sustainable, ethically sourced products like herbal teas, wellness tonics, and balms. The brand’s mission has always been to connect consumers with the healing power of New Zealand’s native plants, while promoting sustainability and cultural integrity. Scott formulates the products, drawing on his knowledge of rongoā Māori (traditional Māori medicine), while Helen focuses on the design and branding, ensuring the packaging reflects both cultural heritage and a forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship.
What inspired you to focus on native New Zealand botanicals in your products, and how do these ingredients set ŌKU apart? The focus on native New Zealand botanicals is rooted in a deep respect for the environment and sustainable practices. Plants like mānuka, and kawakawa have been used for centuries by Māori for their healing properties. ŌKU’s use of these botanicals not only taps into the potency of these natural remedies, but also reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability. The plants are harvested in a way that honours both the land and the people, ensuring that their cultivation is sustainable for future generations. This approach—integrating cultural values and environmental care—distinguishes ŌKU from many wellness brands that rely on more commonly used ingredients.
With ŌKU now available at retailers like Little Farms, how has the journey been to expand into international markets? Expanding internationally has been a significant achievement for ŌKU, and the support from organisations like New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) has been invaluable. The company’s presence in Singapore, Australia, and the Middle East has allowed them to showcase their sustainable products and Māori heritage on a global stage. The rising international demand for indigenous wellness practices and sustainably sourced products has opened new markets, and ŌKU continues to build relationships with international retailers to grow its global footprint. In particular, the brand's commitment to sustainability resonates strongly with overseas consumers who value ethical and eco-friendly products.
How do you see ŌKU’s brand presence growing in Singapore and other international markets? In Singapore, ŌKU is focusing on educating consumers about the benefits of Māori healing practices and native New Zealand plants like mānuka through its range of wellness products. The aim is to connect with a market that values sustainability and cultural authenticity. Building on the strong reception of the products in Singapore, ŌKU plans to expand further into Southeast Asia and the Middle East in the coming years. |
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| Not a member yet? Join now and become part of our vibrant and supportive community! |
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$99 per person Good for anyone with an interest or connection to New Zealand: - Individuals aged 26 & under who are solo-entrepreneurs, business people, students or anyone looking to regularly network with New Zealanders.
- Connect with the NZ community, culture and stay up to date with NZ-related business activity in Singapore and SEA.
$200 per person Good for anyone with an interest or connection to New Zealand: - Solo-entrepreneurs, business people, students or anyone looking to regularly network with New Zealanders.
- Connect with the NZ community, culture and stay up to date with NZ-related business activity in Singapore and SEA.
$330 per couple Good for couples with an interest or connection to New Zealand: - Join with your partner to receive an annual discount.
- Enjoy the same benefits and opportunities as the Individual membership.
- Both people do not have to be Kiwis.
$990 per Company, includes 3 Corporate nominees Good for any business with an interest or connection to New Zealand: - Connect and network with New Zealand Business people living in Singapore.
- Promote your product and services within the New Zealand Community.
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Copyright © 2019 New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Singapore. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are a NZ Chamber member or have otherwise opted in through contact with our office. |
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Our mailing address: New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Singapore One George Street/ #21-04 Singapore 049145 Singapore |
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