| Newsletter 6 February 2025 |
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| A Message from H.E. Gabby Rush |
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Anniversaries come and go but some have special significance. For New Zealand to be celebrating the 60th anniversary of its diplomatic relationship with Singapore as Singapore marks 60 years since its own independence, speaks to the historical ties between us that go back to the earliest days of Singapore as a nation.
Framed on a wall of the New Zealand Official Residence in Bukit Timah, is a diplomatic message sent from New Zealand Prime Minister of the day Keith Holyoake advising Singapore’s Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew that the “New Zealand Government recognises Singapore as an independent and sovereign state”. The message is dated 10 August 1965, just a day after Lee Kuan Yew announced Singapore’s separation from Malaysia.
Former Prime Minister Holyoake expressed New Zealand’s desire to maintain diplomatic relations with Singapore. He said it was the “unchanging policy of the New Zealand Government and people to have the friendliest relations with the peoples of the South East Asia” and that was “particularly true of the people of Singapore and Malaysia with whom for many years we have had the very closest association. It is in that spirit that the New Zealand Government will pursue its relations with Singapore”. And for sixty years, that is what we have done.
Singapore and New Zealand are trusted partners and long-standing friends. Over the course of this year, the New Zealand High Commission, working closely with our friends at the New Zealand Chamber, will celebrate our 60th Anniversary through a series of events, activities and wider reflections showcasing the breadth of our historical ties and strength of our present-day links.
From our historic defence relations to our work together over decades to advance the global trading system; our cultural and people-to-people ties and increasing science collaboration; our new areas of focus around supply chain connectivity, addressing climate change and sustainable development and food security to our ongoing efforts to protect the international rules-based system so critical to the autonomy and prosperity of small states. This is a treasured relationship for New Zealand and there is much to celebrate.
At the beginning of this Anniversary year, the team at the High Commission wishes all our friends at the New Zealand Chamber the warmest of Lunar New Year greetings.
Gōng xǐ fā cái and cheers to 60 years! |
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| Harcourts Landed Joins NZ Chamber Singapore as a Silver Partner |
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Shane Prasad, Managing Director of Harcourts Landed, is excited to announce our Silver Partnership with the NZ Chamber Singapore. This partnership opens up opportunities for Singaporean investors and Kiwi/Australian expats looking to purchase property in New Zealand.
Our goal is simple: to provide exceptional service for investors, from purchasing property to renting it out with the support of our property management team. We also collaborate with Mortgage Express, headed by Sean Pang, to ensure smooth finance approvals.
We are committed to fostering long-term relationships with the Singaporean business community and will be in Singapore frequently to provide personalized, in-person support.
With favourable exchange rates and home loan rates under 5%, there’s never been a better time to invest in New Zealand.
As part of our commitment to the NZ Chamber Singapore community, Shane Prasad will be attending: - Waitangi Day Family Celebrations – 16th February 2025
- New Members Breakfast at the Pullman Orchard – 19th February 2025
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| Waitangi Day Family Celebrations 2025 |
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FREE EVENT
Date: Sunday, 16 February 2025 Time: 1pm - 4pm Venue: Australian International School
Join us for the Waitangi Day Family Celebrations 2025, proudly brought to you by the New Zealand Chamber Singapore and the Australian International School. This is the ultimate day to honour the spirit of Aotearoa and experience the best of Kiwi culture right here in Singapore.
This year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever! Whether you're a Kiwi, a friend of New Zealand, or simply curious to experience our vibrant culture, everyone is welcome to join the festivities.
What's in store? - Fun for all ages: Face painting, bouncy castle**, arts & crafts, games, and the ever-popular Slip-and-Slide**!
- Delicious Kiwi treats: Savor sausage sizzles, craft beers, fine wines, bubbles, and premium NZ Gin.
- Live entertainment: Groove to the sounds of great Kiwi music and soak in the laid-back vibes.
- Market stalls: Explore Kiwi-inspired goods, and grab freebies from our sponsors.
- Raffle Draw: Stand a chance to win 2 x Return Economy Flights to New Zealand, courtesy of Air New Zealand!*
Why attend? - Celebrate the unique bond that unites Kiwis and our wider community.
- A fantastic day out for families, couples, and individuals alike.
- A chance to connect, relax, and share in the true spirit of manaakitanga (hospitality).
Admission: FREE for all! But don't forget to RSVP via our registration link to secure your spot.
Bring your sunscreen, togs, and plenty of good vibes for an unforgettable afternoon of fun and fellowship. Food and drinks will be available for purchase (cashless payments accepted at selected stalls).
Let's come together to make this Waitangi Day celebration one to remember. See you there!
*Terms & conditions apply for flight redemption. **Parents' supervision required for bouncy castle and slip-and-slide. AIS and the NZ Chamber are not liable for any injuries sustained during these activities.
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| New Members Networking Breakfast |
| FREE FOR NEW* MEMBERS!
Date: Wednesday, 19 February 2025 Time: 8am - 9.30am Venue: Eden Restaurant, Pullman Singapore Orchard (Level 4)
Welcome to the NZ Chamber's New* Members Networking Breakfast event! This is the perfect opportunity to meet and connect with fellow new members, build relationships, and expand your professional network.
Don't miss out on the chance to make meaningful connections and gain valuable insights. Register now and kick-start your networking journey with the NZ Chamber!
Registration includes: A delicious breakfast, and coffee and tea to kick-start your day. Great conversations and the opportunity to meet fellow members.
Not a member yet, and want to join us? Simple: Become a chamber member now by clicking here.
* refers to members who have joined since September 2024 (and if you did not attend the last Members Breakfast).
Entry permitted via registration only. |
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| 2025 Singapore Budget Breakfast Briefing |
| FREE EVENT
Date: Thursday, 20 February 2025 Time: 8:15am - 10am Venue: Hawksford Singapore (16 Raffles Quay, #33-03 Hong Leong Building, S048581)
In anticipation of Singapore's 2025 Budget announcement, we would like to invite you to join us at Hawksford's annual breakfast briefing to discuss the highlights of the Budget and understand potential impacts on you and your business.
This year, we're hosting the event in partnership with the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, the Italian Chamber of Commerce, the British Chamber of Commerce Central and the Eastern European Chamber of Commerce.
Speakers to be confirmed. |
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Members News & Promotions |
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| Quiz Nights by Be Inquizitive! |
| Love a good trivia challenge? Gather your team and put your knowledge to the test at Be InQuizitive’s upcoming Quiz Nights! Don't miss out—register now and let the trivia battle begin!
To book a table, whatsapp +65 91724684. |
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| New Zealand Tax Update - By Des Trigg |
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The Rise of "Bleisure" and NZ’s Digital Nomad Incentive
The concept of Bleisure - combining work with pleasure - was previously discussed in the context of short-term visits to NZ by expats and others. That article focused on the importance of pre-travel planning to maximise NZ tax deductions against any NZ-sourced income.
Now, the Coalition Government has introduced an incentive to attract digital nomads—individuals who work remotely while travelling. Under this initiative: - Work must be performed for an overseas employer that does not have a presence in NZ.
- A standard visitor visa allows remote workers to stay for up to 90 days in NZ while enjoying tax-free status on their offshore income.
- If a double tax agreement (DTA) exists between NZ and the individual's country of residence, the tax-free period extends to 183 days.
- NZ has DTAs with Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and China.
Key Considerations Employers must be cautious that they do not become liable for NZ tax (PAYE) on remuneration paid to remote employees working in NZ. To mitigate this risk, structuring the worker as a contractor rather than an employee may be a viable solution.
The extension of visitor visas to digital nomads aims to encourage longer stays, increased spending, and the attraction of highly skilled professionals—without impacting local job opportunities.
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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| 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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