The Influencers: Leeann Watson
The recently announced trans-Tasman travel bubble has come as welcome relief. Prior to Covid-19, Australia was our largest international visitor market, accounting for almost half of all international visitor arrivals, and spending approximately $2.7 billion. So as we head into the colder months, an influx of visitors from Australia will have a significant […]
The Influencers: Leeann Watson
Ngā mihi o te tau hou Happy new year! As I write my first Metropol column of 2021, I strongly believe the year ahead is full of possibility. We have come off the back of a tumultuous year, our lives upended by Covid-19 heralding a new normal in the way we live, and the way […]
The Influencers: Leeann Watson
Through our Canterbury Business Champions campaign, we have heard some amazing stories of innovation, nimbleness, determination, collaboration and kindness, and together celebrated what it is that makes our business community so unique. While in a “normal” year we would showcase our local champions at our Westpac Champion Business Awards, given the uncertainty of running events […]
The Influencers: Leeann Watson
We’re celebrating Canterbury business champions! Kei te whakanui tātou i ngā pakihi kairangi o Waitaha! While the last few months have been challenging, we have also heard some amazing stories of innovation, nimbleness, determination, collaboration and kindness, so we wanted to provide a platform to share those stories. That’s why Westpac and The Chamber are […]
The Influencers: Leeann Watson
As we head into the home straight of the general election, and given the challenges of the current COVID-19 environment, it has never been more important to be fully informed and engaged in the election process, to play a real part in shaping the future of our country for the better. General elections traditionally attract […]
The Influencers: Leeann Watson
Over the last few months, we have seen a collective, community response to COVID-19. We have all stayed home, maintained social distancing, handwashed and sanitised for our own health as well as the health of others in our community. With the curve flattened, now is the time to look at what we can all […]
The Influencers: Leeann Watson
As this is my last Metropol column of the year, I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight an initiative that is very close to my heart. In my role at The Chamber, I have seen first-hand the great work and outcomes that our many charities provide to those in need in our city. […]
Hospitality sector hungry for visitors: Chamber of Commerce
One of the aspects of our rebuilt city that is so exciting for locals and visitors is our amazing array of eateries. We are spoilt for choice, with almost every kind of cuisine and style of eating imaginable. I also love seeing the imagination and innovation that has gone into some of the fit-outs to […]
Leeann Watson: The Influencers
On 19 August, The Chamber celebrates 160 years. In that time, we’ve helped businesses through immense change and significant growth – just compare our region’s exports in the first quarter of 1859 of £92,000 to the last quarter of 2018 of $2.2 billion. Back then, The Chamber had a membership of 32, most of […]
Leeann Watson: The Influencers
At this time of the year, it’s important that we also help those less fortunate. Not-for-profits are a vital thread in the social fabric of our community. However, they are also often the organisations that are the humblest – the ones that fly under the radar, whispering their success stories, when they have every reason […]