NZSCA has one purpose – to make it easier for you to run your business by providing the latest expert advice on employment, insurance, health and safety and changes to legislation. We also advocate on your behalf to government on the issues that matter most to your business.
member benefits
1. Employers & Manufacturers’ Association Membership
Subscription to the Association means you’re automatically a member of the Employers’ and Manufacturers Association as well. This gives you access to the EMA Adviceline where you can source specialist advice from highly experienced staff.
An individual subscription to the EMA alone would normally cost $1500 so this is great value, especially for small contractors.
2. Public Liability Insurance Through AON Insurance
We also provide Public Liability, Statutory and Employers liability Insurance to all members through AON Insurance.
Once again this represents great value for members as insurance cover could cost your business 3x the membership subscription! It also means peace of mind while you’re running your business.
3. Individual Employment Agreement Templates
Employment agreements are one area you just have to get right. The Association provides all members with 3 variants of an Individual Employment Agreement (IEA).
This ensures you have access to the right template for your particular employment scenario. These documents give you a template to work off for signing agreements with your staff, including allowances and the latest recommended rates of pay.
There’s also a generic drug & alcohol policy which is also available for you to utilise. This package alone is a huge time saver for anyone running a business of any size.
4. Health & Safety
There’s a lot to get your head around when it comes to Health and Safety compliance. That’s why the Association’s worked with Health and Safety consultants AvidPlus to create a Health & Safety Workbook designed specifically for Shearing Contractors. It is easy to follow and gives you the tools to ensure you are covering all bases when it comes to the safety of your staff and workplace. Another big time saver and stress reliever. It’s also great value. Members can purchase the Health & Safety Workbook for only $500.00 + GST.
Safety Charter
Being a NZSCA members means committing to our Safety Charter which is essential to safeguard your business. As NZSCA develops stronger relationship and support from various government agencies, members will need to be able to demonstrate basic commitments to the well-being of your people and animals to ensure the support NZSCA seeks on your behalf will be given.
Health and Safety Training for Staff
We also urge members to sign their staff onto our online Health & Safety programme Tahi Ngātahi. This online training platform will up-skill your staff in injury prevention so that health and safety in the shed becomes everyone’s responsibility, not just yours. For more information visit tahingatahi.co.nz
Staff Well-being
The Association has started working in partnership Farmstrong, with an award-winning rural well-being programme Farmstrong. They provide tools and resources to help people in rural industries cope better with the pressures of work and life, which can have a big impact on any business. Check out farmstrong.co.nz for tips and advice on how you can help your crews.
The ACC Guys
NZSCA membership includes access to advice and support from the team at The ACC Guys at a discounted rate. The ACC Guys will work with you to ensure your ACC levies and any claims are properly assessed and processed. They specialise in ACC and will really make a difference – whether it’s securing refunds, reducing levies, managing your workplace injuries, advocating on your behalf and much more.
5. Support and Advice at Your Fingertips
Keep Up with the Play
There has never been so much change happening in the rural industries – from environmental issues to border closures due to Covid to new employment requirements and labour shortages. Joining the NZSCA means you’ll have a voice on these issues and a way of sharing your ideas and concerns with the decision makers.
Our Executive Officer and Executive Committee actively lobby government on the issues that matter most to you and send out regular updates so that you’re up with the play as events change e.g. border closures.
Downloadable Tools and Resources
These are all available to you 24/7 on the contractors’ section of the NZSCA Website. As a member you receive a Username and Password to access this. Here you’ll find information about Pay Rates, Employment Agreements, all member communications and other relevant information.
6. Conference and AGM
Every year the NZSCA holds a Conference and AGM in either the South or North Island. This is a great chance for our members to get together and celebrate what’s been achieved and plan for the year ahead as an industry.
We gather together a range of speakers and information all designed to inform and assist you in managing your business. The network opportunity alone is worth the investment of time, to share and learn from your peers across the country on issues and topics that directly impact on you.