ATS Newsbrief September 2014
There’s been plenty of political debate around employment and how to find staff, not surprising given the general election is only a couple of weeks away, but for us in the provinces it is hardly news. We have long experienced high employment levels and having to go abroad to attract staff for all sorts of vacancies. While the obvious examples of this are the many immigrant workers who come to take up positions with farming and agricultural operations, either on a seasonal basis or in permanent positions, I believe it is an issue which many businesses face across a variety of skills and professions. Neal Shaw, Group CEO Many businesses looking for staff to fill management or senior roles can struggle to attract staff to apply, and then when they do, many are not prepared to settle or re-locate and opt to commute. This is only good for 12 months or so, and is not sustainable for all concerned with the long days and travel eventually taking its toll. I think it is an indictment on working in provincial New Zealand. We all know there are employment issues in other parts of the country and especially the cities, but so many New Zealanders are reluctant to move to where the work is, and arguably some of the better living conditions. Recent statistics released by Grow Mid Canterbury show the region’s GDP grew by 4.2 percent last year, compared to the national rate of 2.6 percent. This means our district is producing more and is growing. Job growth statistics show a national rate of 0.8 per cent last year, compared with 5.7 percent in the Ashburton District. Add to that media reports which show our wage rates are growing while our house prices remain cheaper than the national average. Our close proximity and ease of access to Christchurch and an enviable environment well suited to an outdoor lifestyle should make our district look like an attractive option for job seekers. What’s not to like? There are plenty of job opportunities for Kiwis, but it might mean some will have to take a closer look at what our provinces have to offer both in career and lifestyle prospects.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Farm Safety Training for Members 16 September 21 October 18 November
For more information or to RSVP, call 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) or go to www.ats.co.nz/farmsafety
22 September South Canterbury Anniversary Day
27 September
ATS Ashburton closed for stock take
28 September
Daylight Savings
27 October Labour Day
31 October & 1 November Ashburton A&P Show
ATS is proud to support the 2014 Ashburton A & P Show. Please come join us at the ATS marquee for lunch. Don’t forget your Ruralco Card as you’ll need it for admittance.
14 November
Canterbury Anniversary (Show weekend)
Annual General Meeting—First Notice UPCOMING INDUSTRY EVENTS
In accordance with Rule 5 (a)(i), notice is given that Monday 17th November 2014 has been selected as the date of the 51st Annual General Meeting of the Ashburton Trading Society Limited, which will be held at the Hotel Ashburton, Racecourse Road, Ashburton 7700. Formal notice of that meeting will be given in due course.
11 September
NOMINATION Messers Ian Mackenzie and Alister Body retire by rotation in accordance with Rule 6(c). Mr Mackenzie and Mr Body are seeking re-election. If you wish to nominate a member for the position of a Director of the Ashburton Trading Society Limited, your attention is drawn to the following:
This event will discuss consistent use and input data, understanding some of the assumptions the calculator utilises, along with a few other tips. It will be held at Lincoln Events Centre. For more information contact Nick Tait on 027 838 6792.
1. You are required to be a financial member—your account must be current to the satisfaction of the Society.
25 September
2. The completed form of nomination must be in the hands of the Secretary by 5.30pm, Friday 3rd October 2014. Nomination forms are available from ATS Reception. Alternatively telephone (03) 307 5100 or visit www.ats.co.nz/nomination.
Neal Shaw Chief Executive/Company Secretary
Dairy Effluent Storage Calculator RP event
Hinds/Longbeach Farm Systems Group This Farm Systems Group discusses and investigates farm systems and farm related issues on the host farm, including current topics and upcoming seasonal matters. It is an open forum utilising the experience of all members in the group. For more information contact Natalia on 021 287 7059.
Is your Approved Handler Certificate valid?
Submit your photo for the 2015 ATS calendar
When did you last check the validity of your Growsafe and Approved Handler Certificates? Don’t get caught short. Make sure your certificates are valid and up-to-date so you can continue to purchase or apply chemicals. Please contact Peter Jacob on 03 307 5124 or 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) and he will be able to help you with the renewal process.
ATS produced a special 50th Anniversary calendar for 2013 to celebrate the co-operative’s 50th year. This was a one-time production however we have had much feedback from members wanting the ATS calendar to be annual. ATS are therefore looking into creating a calendar for the year 2015. If you capture a beautiful moment in agriculture throughout the year which you would like to be considered for the 2015 ATS calendar, please send your submission to marketing@ats.co.nz or for assistance please contact us on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).
Accessing the ATS Farm Safety Manual Take some of the hassle out of managing your on-farm health and safety practices through one of ATS’s Farm Safety Training sessions. ATS, in conjunction with Unique Solutions, is providing members with farm safety training and access to the ATS Farm Safety Manual, with the added bonus that members can apply for a discount on their ACC levies once they have completed their training. It’s a great way of ensuring you have up-to-date health and safety practices. The training course includes hazard identification and management; information, training and supervision; incident and accident management; emergency planning and readiness; visitors and contractors; and ACC workplace safety discounts. Upcoming training dates are 16 September, 21 October and 18 November 2014 and costs $550 (GST and member discount inclusive). Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today. For more information or to reserve your place, please contact Peter Jacob on 03 307 5124 or 0800 BUY ATS (289 287), email book@ats.co.nz or reserve your spot online at www.ats.co.nz/farmsafety
Changes to pallet return
Spring seed requirements
Milligans and SealesWinslow Calf Feeds are not charging for pallets this season, but both organisations would like pallets returned. If all Milligans pallets could be returned to ATS and all SealesWinslow pallets from last season to be returned directly to them as soon as possible to receive a credit. For more information, call the ATS Customer Service team on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).
ATS Seed has all your spring brassica, maize, fodder beet and pasture requirements available now. Talk to us today about your specific seed requirements and seed treatments on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).
Z Energy fuelcard discounts Z has increased its discount to 6¢ per litre off retail pump price for petrol and diesel at service stations and 10.5¢ per litre off the national price for diesel at truck stops. For more information on all fuel prices please visit www.ats.co.nz/fueldiscounts or ring 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).
Have you got uncontracted grain for sale? ATS Seed is always looking for all types of grain to supply a wide range of end users. If you have free/uncontracted grain you would like to sell please contact ATS Seed. Drop in your sample at any ATS Store, with an ATS Rep or contact the ATS Customer Service team on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) to arrange sample bags or pick up.
Ashburton Trading Society Ltd 97 Burnett Street, PO Box 131 Ashburton
Need help with your energy? ATS Energy will work with you to get the best pricing solution for your farm and home. We offer ongoing account management of your energy accounts and continually work with our partners; Meridian, Genesis Energy and Nova Energy to get the best offers for our members. ATS Energy is here to take the hassle out of your power accounts and leave you to manage your farm. Contact Tracey now to get a free energy comparison to make sure you are getting the best for your electricity and LPG on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).
Tel 03 307 5100 Fax 03 307 6723 ats@ats.co.nz
RURALCO SUPPLIER UPDATES Check out www.ruralco.co.nz for the list of new Ruralco Suppliers Real discounts for real farmers
NEW SUPPLIERS
Invercargill
Mosgiel
ASCOT PARK HOTEL Special rates per night
MOSGIEL MOBIL WORKSHOP 10% off batteries, filters and non-genuine parts Labour and sale items: nett
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINE RECONDITIONERS LTD 7% off labour
Motueka
BALMORAL LODGE MOTEL Special rates per night BARLUCA PIZZA KITCHEN AND CLUB Convenience CENTREPOINT LIQUORLAND 7.5% discount Special items: nett COLLINGWOOD SUPER LIQUOR 7.5% discount Special items: nett EAST END BOTTLESTORE 7.5% discount Special items: nett HOMESTEAD COBB & CO 5% off total bill HOMESTEAD VILLA MOTEL Special rates per night KELVIN HOTEL Special rates per night LONE STAR 5% off total bill
SAUCY CHEF 5% off total bill SOUTH CITY LIQUORLAND 7.5% discount Special items: nett THAR & FEATHER 5% off total bill SOUTHLAND SUPER LIQUOR 7.5% discount Special items: nett SPEIGHTS ALE HOUSE 5% off total bill WAXY O’SHEA’S 5% off total bill
Nelson THE HONEST LAWYER 10% off restaurant total bill 10% off accommodation all year round
Richmond ECHO HIRE 5% off labour rate FRUITDIRECT 5% off all full price items Sale and special items: nett MORTIMER AUTO UPHOLSTERY LTD 5% off all automotive, marine and commercial canvas and PVC upholstery Labour: nett
ROCS MANUFACTURING JEWELLERS 20% off storewide TOWN AND COUNTRY VETS 5% off veterinary fees and restricted veterinary medicines Sale and special items: nett
Waimate LOOT JEWELLERS 10% off retail items 5% off repairs Sale items: nett
Wakefield
WINDSOR BOTTLESTORE 7.5% discount Special items: nett DRYCREEKMEATS LTD 7% off all purchases
TASMAN CANVAS 10% off all products/services
PAPER PLUS RICHMOND 7.5% discount Sale and promotional items: nett
THE KILN 5% off total bill
Methven
LASER ELECTRICAL MOTUEKA 5% off labour and materials
TOWN AND COUNTRY VETS 5% off veterinary fees and restricted veterinary medicines Sale and special items: nett WAKEFIELD PHARMACY 10% off retail Sale and promotional items: nett
RESIGNED SUPPLIERS Coulter Seeds
www.ats.co.nz