| Newsletter 12 December 2024 |
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Kia ora, everyone!
What a fantastic evening we had last Thursday, 5 December, at our end-of-year Christmas Quiz Night! A huge thank you to everyone who joined us—it was a truly fun and festive night with great company, delicious food, and a good dose of friendly competition to wrap up the year. It was very close until the last round with a tie breaker for 2nd & 3rd. Congratulations to the winning teams! - 1st Place - Never Gonna Quiz You Up
- 2nd Place & Oi! - The Fellowship Of The Sling
- 3rd Place - Team O For Awesome
It was the perfect way to celebrate our community and all that we’ve accomplished together in 2024!
As we look ahead, we're excited for all the exciting events we've got lined up in the new year. Keep an eye out for details on our January Kiwi Networking Drinks, New Members Breakfast, the MĀIA Women’s Group 2025 Kick-Off, and of course, our Annual Waitangi Day Celebration—a family-friendly event that’s sure to be packed with something fun for everyone!
Plus, we’ve got something special in store for you in the form of a New Year Membership Promotion for all new individual and couple memberships in partnership with PopUp Wine! Keep your eyes peeled in the new year for more information on this coming soon.
Thank you all for being part of this wonderful community. It’s been an incredible five months for me (but who's counting, right?). I'm so grateful for the warm welcome, and I can’t wait to keep the momentum going into 2025. Stay tuned—there’s plenty more networking, fun, and growth to come.
Wishing you all a relaxing and joyful holiday season!
Warm regards, Melissa Holck Executive Director New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, Singapore |
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What a night to remember! Last Thursday, we sleighed it at our sold-out Christmas Trivia Night! From festive songs and classic movies to geography and 90s music, our trivia enthusiasts brought the holiday spirit to life with their quick thinking and competitive flair.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us—whether you came with your crew or made new friends on the spot. The energy, the laughter, and the fabulous Christmas outfits made it a night to remember.
We can't wait to do it all again next year. Until then, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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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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| Exclusive Holiday Treat for Whisky Lovers! |
| We’re thrilled to share a special offer with our NZ Chamber members and friends, courtesy of Mizunara: The Shop Singapore!
At our recent Christmas Trivia Night, Mizunara delighted guests with a whiskey-tasting booth featuring Pokeno Whisky, a premium single malt whisky from New Zealand. Now, they’re extending the festive cheer with an exclusive 10% discount on all Pokeno Whisky purchases through their website.
How to Redeem: - Visit the Mizunara The Shop website.
- Select your favorite Pokeno Whisky.
- Use promo code NZChamber10 at checkout to enjoy your discount.
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| Get Your Quiz On with Branka in 2025! |
| Loved the energy and excitement at our Christmas Trivia Night? Our brilliant quiz mistress, Branka fromBe Inquizitive, is back with a lineup of engaging Quiz Nights in 2025!
Gather your team, put your thinking caps on, and get ready for nights filled with fun, laughter, and a touch of friendly competition. Whether you're a trivia pro or a casual quizzing enthusiast, these events are not to be missed!
To book your table, WhatsApp +65 9172 4684. |
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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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$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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