Latest news with #ChrisRamsay
Otago Daily Times
18-07-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Plan for Kelvin Hotel to be SIT training site
Plans are on the table to turn the Kelvin Hotel into a training operation as the Southern Institute of Technology celebrates the return of its autonomy. ILT chief executive and Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) community adviser Chris Ramsay said placing the control of the training organisation back into local hands was also the biggest step towards developing a hospitality training base at the hotel site. He had been working alongside SIT operations lead Daryl Haggerty on the venture and also to give SIT back its self-determination. "This is certainly a hugely positive result for the province and for the city itself in the sense that it provides autonomy back to SIT to be able to work more closely with organisations such as ourselves. "We are really looking forward to that coming back to fruition," Mr Ramsay said. Diversifying the Kelvin Hotel's operations to become a training hotel was an option available to the ILT which could offset any impact from the opening of the Distinction Hotel, he said. But it was important to first understand the impact of 150 new hotel rooms and what SIT's needs were before moving ahead, he said. "I think there remains a huge opportunity for a fully functioning training hotel, or something similar, to provide a real point of difference for the city as far as attracting both domestic and international students to the city to learn and develop their skills. "The Kelvin's perfectly structured — it's a six-floor hotel, 61 rooms. "So we could look at [developing] one or two floors at a time depending on where their demand and needs analysis showed it being required," Mr Ramsay said. The Free Fees Scheme introduced in 2001 had had a profound impact on the city. "We entered this new millennium with such huge positivity from it and we're really excited that the same spark is about to be ignited. "We had a huge number of international students that just added such a breadth of diversity to our city and that was the catalyst for population growth in our city at a time when there was a mentality of 'the last person out turn out the lights'." Vocational Education Minister and Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds said SIT was one of 10 regional polytechnics which would be re-established from January 1, 2026, after the previous government merged 16 polytechnics to form Te Pukenga in 2020. Mrs Simmonds said it had been a vigorous campaign against Labour's reforms, which removed the ability of regions to respond to local training and employer needs. "We're rebuilding our incredibly important vocational education system so that it delivers — for students, for employers and for the future of New Zealand." She believed restoring SIT's autonomy would help to promote economic growth and support the area's community. However, Te Pukenga would remain throughout 2026 to support a smooth handover, she said. Mr Haggerty said the community welcomed the return of SIT's autonomy as it empowered it to shape its own future and customise its programmes. - By Toni McDonald
Otago Daily Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
ILT swap suits for sleep wear in support
PHOTO: NINA TAPU Invercargill Licensing Trust chief executive Chris Ramsay (back row, far left) and his staff swapped their suits for pyjamas and slippers to support Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand's Pyjama Day. In the annual fundraiser, thousands of New Zealanders at schools, businesses and community groups don pyjamas to raise funds and awareness for Ronald McDonald House. Mr Ramsay said the trust valued its community partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities. "We recognise the important role RMHC plays in providing families with a place to stay together during difficult times," he said. "As an active funder, we always look to walk the talk and this is a fun way for us to get involved and help drive fundraising efforts, beyond our traditional funding role. All ILT venues took part in the pyjama day.
Otago Daily Times
22-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Retailers, police team up on crime
Police and retailers are working together to reduce retail crime in Invercargill. For the past 18 months, police in Invercargill, particularly the prevention team, have been visiting retailers in order to strengthen relationships and offer advice. Invercargill Licensing Trust chief executive Chris Ramsay said there had been a "noticeable increase" in antisocial behaviour in the past 12 months which had negatively impacted the trust's staff and customers. Incidents ranged from "intimidatory behaviour to one particularly bad incident resulting in one of our managers being assaulted". The police were doing an excellent job but they could not be everywhere, he said. More than a-third of respondents in the Southland Business Confidence Survey said their businesses were being impacted by a rise in social and operating pressures. In May's quarterly survey, organised by the Southland Business Chamber, 38% of businesses reported impacts from crime or antisocial behaviour throughout the past year, up 7% from the February survey. Southland Business Chamber chief executive Sheree Carey said this was the first year a question had been included about crime or antisocial behaviour on businesses. Southland area commander Inspector Mike Bowman said staff had received a lot of positive feedback from business owners regarding the ongoing operation with retailers. "We continue to work with our partner agencies to ensure a safer community for everyone." Police advised retailers to report incidents. While there had been an initial increase in reported incidents, this was expected as business owners had increased knowledge of how to report them. "Police have been able to apprehend a number of prolific offenders in the area and have held them to account through prosecution. "In some cases, we have also looked at alternative resolution opportunities." There had been an increase in police presence in areas likely to be targeted by offenders, he said. Part of the focus was on staff safety and business owners had been offered advice about the layout of the store and positioning of in-store cameras to help prevent and detect shoplifting. Invercargill Central manager Kelvin Mooney said proactive measures had prevented a notable increase in incidents. "While the issues we do face are largely driven by a small number of individuals, they are quickly identified and addressed by our team and police, if required." Invercargill faced similar issues to many central business districts throughout the country. "Our close partnership with police has delivered positive results both for the centre and the wider Esk St precinct." Mr Ramsay said there had been a noticeable increase in antisocial behaviour in the past 12 months which had negatively impact the trust's staff and customers. "Whilst the police have been excellent, they can't be patrolling the area every minute of every day, which is almost what is now required given the frequency of issues." He believed if the area was tidied up that would help. "Fenced off areas and poorly lit containers with leaves, rubbish and weeds growing out of them are a magnet for antisocial behaviour, creating a CBD that feels more like the slums than one that has had over a quarter of a billion dollars invested in it in the last few years."
