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Hawke’s Bay on track to be premier sport facility capital

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Hawke’s Bay has the potential to supersede the likes of Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch as the premier sport facility region of New Zealand.

In fact Hawke’s Bay can probably already lay claim to the title, but with over $60 million of new sport facilities at the Regional Sports Park (Mitre10 Park), Pettigrew.Green Arena (PGH) and a high performance training facility for Hawke’s Bay Rugby, the region is punching well above its weight.

At Mitre10 Park, sports already present include athletics, hockey, rugby, football, league, canoe polo, fitness centre, Crossfit, basketball and netball and they will be joined by swimming, water polo, cricket and boxing as well as a 40 room hostel.

Just several kilometres down the road at Taradale’s Pettigrew.Green Arena (PGA), indoor sport codes such as basketball, netball, badminton, volleyball and futsal will enjoy the increase in court space to 11 courts.

The region will now be able to host multi-day major regional, national and possibly international sports events at each facility separately or together with the ability to bid for events like National and International Masters.

This will bring in athletes, supporters and increase visitor spending which will boost the region’s hospitality and retail sectors.

Sir Graeme Avery, chairman of the Hawke’s Bay Community Fitness Centre Trust which has led the development of over $50 million in sport facilities at Mitre 10 Park in Hastings the infrastructure investment in international class facilities, along with existing ones, will not only place Hawke’s Bay as a first choice for major domestic and in the future, international sports events, but also in leading the country in programmes delivered at the facilities for sport development and for the health and mental wellbeing of the community.

“Development of new indoor facilities for cricket, boxing, Olympic climbing, gymnastics and beach volleyball, along with synthetic tennis courts at Mitre 10 Park as well as a yachting and water sports development hub in Ahuriri.

“All these proposed new facilities will complement the current investments and cement Hawke’s Bay as unrivalled in New Zealand for the scope of its sport and recreation facilities for the community and for hosting major sports events,” Sir Graeme says.

He says the trust aims to achieve a major sports event in the region every month and is developing a strategic plan to work with HB Tourism and Councils across the region to bid for major multi-day and multi-sport events.

Mitre10 Sports Park chief executive Jock Mackintosh says the facility has the best athletics venue in New Zealand consistently rated a 9 out of 10 when surveys are undertaken during major events.

“Increasingly we are getting the attention of Athletics NZ that regularly send their athletes here for training camps and in 2021 and 2022 we will host the New Zealand Athletic champs.”

For Pettigrew-Green Arena Regional Indoor Sports and Events Centre Trust chairman Craig Waterhouse the focus of redeveloping the indoor sports centre from 3 courts to 11 is well over due with increased community participation in sports such as basketball and Futsal driving the need.

He says 76 percent of the regular sports users of PGA are under the age of 19 years with the facility at maximum use for the regular sports from 4 pm to 9.30 pm five days a week.

“Over the last ten years, there has being a massive shift in youth sports participation from grass-based sports to indoor sports.

“Basketball is now the number one secondary school sport ahead of rugby and soccer. Indoor soccer (Futsal), which did not exist in New Zealand, as a sport when they built the original arena, cannot grow as they have no facilities, volleyball has increased by 100 percent in five years and netball is requiring more indoor court space.”

He says if facilities don’t meet the demand, there’s a risk to the health and well-being of youth.

“Users are demanding more and more courts space; the lack of space affects the health of our children – they are not moving back to grass-sports they are simply not participating in sport.

Craig says sport and recreation is not just about winning, it’s about helping build stronger, healthier, happier, and safer communities.

“The increase in the scale of the Pettigrew Green Arena will have a massive impact on the future health of our society, probably the single most significant opportunity we have ever had to impact on our children’s future.

Graeme fully agrees with the sentiment that the investment  “There will be undoubted social and economic benefits for the Hawke’s Bay community. The new and enhanced facilities will provide jobs to the local construction sector in an important post-covid recovery phase. Sport is the ‘glue’ for creating social cohesion in a community – as very well evidenced when community sport resumed in level 1 of covid-19.”

Sport Hawke’s Bay chief executive Mark Aspden is also on the same page that the investment in new sport facilities will overcome availability issues due to increased community participation in some sports.

“The investment is enhancing the opportunity for our local community to be able participate in the activities that they want to engage in. For example there has been a shortage of indoor court space for several years and the PGA expansion will go a long way to addressing that.

“With the EIT Institute (and particularly with the addition of the Indoor Aquatic Facility) we are able to ensure that young people in the region will have similar, and in some cases better

opportunities to develop their talents as those in the major centres.

From a Sport Hawke’s Bay perspective getting more local people active more often is its primary focus but the new facilities will attract major regional and national events.

“Community participation has to be the main focus, but hosting events can be the icing on the cake.  It isn’t as simple as ‘build it and they will come’ but by having these facilities we have a much greater opportunity to host bigger events.”

Craig says PGA will be in the top 10 percent of indoor facilities in New Zealand and will be able to host national events, especially at secondary school and age group levels boosting accommodation providers and tourism businesses.

“With five additional futsal courts, 8 new basketball courts, over 40 new volleyball and badminton courts and 8 new indoor netball courts we will be able to host National Secondary and age-group tournaments.

“This will be a significant boost over winter when tourism in the Bay has fewer visitors. We estimated 10,000 additional visitors, an increase in regional GDP of $3M.

Mark says the portfolio of sport facilities in Hawke’s Bay coupled with our climate will be unparallel in New Zealand.

“Alongside our climate which is well suited to year round outdoor activities and tracks which create opportunities for walkers, runners, cyclists and mountain bikers to be active, there are obviously plenty of options for residents and those from other regions to engage in physical activity.

As the region continues to grow its sport facility assets Mark is keen to see the regions councils review and update a regional sport facility plan that was last signed in 2015. Only one mayor – Wairoa District Council’s Craig Little remains as a signatory.

There is strong evidence that Napier and Hastings  council’s are more focussed on collaboration as well as ensuring there’s less duplication, but it’s time for an updated regional facility plan involving all five local authorities.

“They’re working together in an extremely co-operative manner in relation to sports facilities.  In light of that we have a great opportunity now to ensure that a regional plan is put in place and actioned, which provides the basis for the future development of facilities in a way which best meets the needs of the region.

 

Name announced for new surgery facility in Hastings

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The name for the $70 million Hawke’s Bay-owned and operated elective surgery facility currently being built in Hastings has been announced.

Westside Healthcare’s managing director Dr Colin Hutchison today announced the name, Kaweka Health.

“We wanted a name that resonated with the community and the Kaweka ranges are a prominent geographical feature of Hawke’s Bay that envelops and protects the region and its people, and that’s our vision for the facility.

“We’re here to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Hawke’s Bay.

Currently underway, the first stage of the project includes four operating theatres, full pre-op and recovery areas (including overnight beds), sterilising services, and 150 car parks.

The facility in Canning Road, opposite Hawke’s Bay Hospital is planned to open in early 2022.

Project manager Nick Ward said construction is progressing well with Gemco Construction having completed all demolition works, earthworks,  and in-ground services; with foundations and super-structure now well underway.

“We’re currently working on masonry blockwork, precast concrete, and structural steel, with preparation for floor slabs and the building roof to follow shortly.

“The current package of works are planned to be completed by March 2021, followed immediately by the architectural works, intensive building services, and external site works.

“We have a strong contingent of local businesses currently on site including Gemco Construction, Patton Engineering, Lattey Precast, and RSM Reinforcing,” Mr Ward said.

The current works stage includes over 2,200 tonnes of concrete, 120 tonnes of structural steel and 9,500 concrete blocks, he added.

Additional land has been purchased, including 2800sqm land from Hastings District Council that has been used by Recreational Services Limited. The entire site is 15,700sqm.

Dr Hutchison said details of a second stage, which is still under concept-development, will be announced in early 2021.

“This is one of the most exciting health and infrastructure developments which will help get our region moving again, in this challenging new economic environment.

“Healthcare in Hawke’s Bay is facing unprecedented challenges, post Covid-19, with even more pressure on the growing waiting lists for elective surgery.  We are excited to support the health of Hawke’s Bay with our theatre facilities which will provide extra capacity by another 5000 operations a year.”

Dr Hutchison said a global recruitment is well underway.

“New Zealand has become a very attractive country for highly qualified specialists to relocate to and a new world-class elective surgery facility will ensure Hawke’s Bay is able to attract and retain more specialist doctors, who can work across both the private and public sector,” Dr Hutchison said.

Hawke’s Bay Airport solar farm technical experts confirmed

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Leading renewable energy provider Vector Powersmart has been confirmed as the technical partner for the next stage Hawke’s Bay Airport’s ambitious 10MW commercial solar farm project.

Hawke’s Bay Airport Limited chief executive Stuart Ainslie today announced the next stage of the project, a feasibility plan, and technical design which would see unused land at the airport becoming New Zealand’s largest solar farm capable of powering the equivalent of more than 2000 houses.

Vector Powersmart general manager Rogier Simons said early indications suggest the ten-hectare site is well suited to a high performing, commercial renewable energy farm that could provide new revenue streams for the airport company as well as supporting its desire to become New Zealand’s first carbon-neutral airport.

“The airport land and the sunny environment it sits within has significant potential. The land itself is largely undeveloped due to height restrictions and being flat offers advantages for installation.

“We’re proud to be involved in another landmark solar project as the market continues to mature in New Zealand.”

Last week Vector Powersmart completed New Zealand’s largest solar project, the build of a 1MW floating solar installation on Watercare’s Rosedale wastewater treatment pond in Auckland. The Hawkes Bay Airport solar farm project would be ten times that size at 10MW.

“We are very excited to be partnering with Hawke’s Bay Airport and its joint venture partner electricity lines provider Centralines Limited. Collectively we’ve got an airport committed to creating a new revenue stream and minimising its environmental impact, a well-respected local lines provider and our experience of designing and constructing solar farms,” Mr Simons said.

Hawke’s Bay Airport chief executive Stuart Ainslie said selecting Vector Powersmart as its preferred technical partner was a significant milestone as the airport looks to become the first airport in New Zealand to be powered by solar energy as well as creating new revenue streams, following the financial turbulence created by COVID-19.

Mr Ainslie said the renewable energy project ticks many boxes for the airport company, which recently committed to a vision of becoming New Zealand’s first carbon-neutral airport.

“We are set to open New Zealand’s newest domestic airport early next year and we can see a future in greater use of renewable energy on both sides of the terminal through the electrification of vehicles.

“Vector Powersmart has vast experience and expertise in the feasibility, design and construction of utility-scale and commercial solar projects in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. They will provide us with the direction to realising the potential of under utilised land at the airport.

“Before COVID-19, we were forecasting one million passengers a year by 2025, but we have now pushed this target out to 2030, this will have a financial impact. Therefore, we need to continue to be innovative in our approach to operating a strategic regional asset.

Mr Ainslie added that the project would not only generate sufficient electricity to meet the airport’s requirements, but it will also supply surplus energy to others looking for a 100 percent renewable supply noting that the airport has already had some encouraging discussions with potential regional partners.

“We anticipate some significant innovations in the aviation industry post COVID-19 which could result in demand for electricity growing rapidly.

“This is already starting to happen on the landside of our business with electric and hybrid vehicles and if airlines pursue hybrid technology for short-haul routes, then this could grow exponentially.

Kane Williamson blasts Rockit apples into major marketing push

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Innovative New Zealand apple company Rockit Global Limited, recognised across the world for its miniature Rockit™ apple variety, has today announced an inaugural Global Ambassador partnership with Kiwi cricketer Kane Williamson.

The New Zealand cricket captain, who will shortly leave New Zealand to begin his season with the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL), says joining Rockit™ is exciting, and he can’t wait to get started. “I love getting hands-on with the brands I align with, and Rockit is a great product – one that I’m passionate about driving forward,” Kane says.

Rockit Global’s General Manager Global Marketing, Julian Smith, says the partnership is a significant step for the organisation. “Establishing a Global Ambassador role for Rockit will, we believe, have a hugely positive impact on our international marketing and brand awareness. Kane is an outstanding example of a New Zealander with drive and determination who has taken on the world – just like Rockit.”

The arrangement will see Kane champion Rockit™ apples to a cricket-mad audience worldwide. With Rockit Global’s plans to tackle the high-end produce category in India this year, Kane’s involvement will also help introduce the small, sweet, snack apples to a potential market of millions of discerning Indian consumers. “It’s a really exciting opportunity to venture into this market,” explains Kane, who has a huge following in India. “As Kiwis, we already know that the produce we’re able to generate in New Zealand is of the highest quality and I know that when consumers in India and other countries get the opportunity to try a Rockit apple, they’ll really enjoy them.”

Kane will be involved in digital activations, marketing and events for Rockit™. It’s also the first time Kane has approved insignia on his bat, which – for the duration of the IPL season – will proudly carry Rockit™ branding. Kane says he would only ever want his bat to bear branding that aligns with his own core values and ethos. “The fit is without doubt the primary thing I look at when considering a commercial alignment, so this is the first time there’s been any other branding on my bat. While there have been other opportunities in the past, I’d wanted to keep that space clear for the right endorsement.”

Why Rockit™? Kane has a direct interest in Rockit™ orchards, an investment interest in brand owner Rockit Global via Oriens Capital, and wholeheartedly believes in the quality of the produce. “Healthy eating is a big part of my lifestyle, and it’s clear to me what a great snack Rockit is. The size is great, and the flavour is incredible.”

Kane recently travelled to Hawke’s Bay to see first-hand how the apples are grown, and to meet the people behind the brand. He says despite the obvious setbacks Covid-19 has created – including the fact the IPL will be played in the United Arab Emirates this season – it has also allowed him the time and freedom to fully explore the partnership presented to him by Rockit Global. “I’d always wanted to look at opportunities that are Kiwi, and that hold relevance to who we are as a country and what we do. For me, the primary sector represents that, and once I met the team at Rockit, I knew the alignment made sense. I’m passionate about the product, it’s healthy, it’s authentic, and it’s purposeful.”

Julian says the entire Rockit Global team is delighted with the arrangement and that Kane’s reputation as an outstanding sportsman, inspirational leader and exceptional New Zealander make him the ideal partner. “Kane’s an excellent fit for Rockit as he – and we – strive for new goals around the globe. We welcome him on board.”

Hastings Distillers Takes Gold in Global Competition

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It’s been operating for just eight months, but Hastings Distillers has already won global acclaim, earning a much sought-after gold medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC).

Hastings Distillers’ Albertine gin took the sole gold awarded in the Contemporary Gin category at the IWSC, a competition that has, for over 50 years, rewarded excellence in drinks worldwide.

Based within Hastings’ eclectic East 200 precinct – a thriving artisanal community – Hastings Distillers was established in 2019 by Kate Galloway and David Ramonteu, offering New Zealand’s first Biogro-certified organic spirits and liquers. Producing its range of unique gin, using botanicals sourced from the distillery’s carefully tended “gin gardens”, Hastings Distillers also offers a stylish tasting room at 231 Heretaunga Street East. Here, guests can sample the three products in the Hastings Distillers range, enjoy a bite to eat, or buy a bottle to savour at home.

The award-winning Albertine gin contains 38 organic botanicals and is batch distilled in a 150L Arnold Holstein still, then cut to strength with local Kaweka spring water. It can be enjoyed as a contemporary gin and tonic, on ice as a sipping gin or as a base ingredient in a cocktail.

IWSC judges praised its “complex and perfumed nose”, noting that the Albertine is “layered with intense lemon, pine and fresh green fruit…fruity, refined and fragrant…complimented by a clean balance of juniper and fresh fruit”.

Kate says it’s an honour to have been recognised in a competition widely regarded as the most prestigious in the world. “Our passion has always been to create premium craft spirits that follow nature’s lead, drawing on our broad background in winemaking to develop our love of all things botanical. It’s wonderful that our small, family business has captured the attention of the judges, and helped to put New Zealand organic gin – and Hastings in particular – on the map.”

Adds David: “Winning this award is very encouraging and a real testament to what can be achieved when following your instincts and ideologies. We are pleased and very proud that while our products align strongly with our artistic ambitions, they have also stood up to a panel of experts.”

The Albertine gin is one of three craft spirits produced by Hastings Distillers – their East Block 200 gin and L’Opera aperitif complete the line-up. In addition to their Hastings off-license store, online shop and tasting room, there are plans to establish a stall at the much-loved Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market in the very near future.

New chair and two board appointments at Hawke’s Bay Airport

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Hawke’s Bay Airport shareholders Napier City Council, Hastings District Council and the Crown has appointed a new chair and two board members.

Wendie Harvey, a board member for four years steps up as the new chair, replacing retiring long standing chair Tony Porter while the councils have jointly appointed Jon Nichols as their representative and the Crown has appointed Sarah Reo.


They join Sarah Park as a board member, who’s position has been extended for a further year to ensure board continuity. Ms Reo, a local business owner and Fulbright scholar replaces Taine Randell while Mr Nichols, a chartered accountant and highly experienced board director is the replacement to Mr Porter.

Ms Harvey says despite the recent turbulent times at the airport such as the receivership of the airport’s terminal expansion construction contractor Arrow International; the withdrawal of air services by Jet Star and the drop in passenger numbers due to Covid 19, she is confident in the future long term prospects of the airport.

She says the Airport Company has a high calibre chief executive in Stuart Ainslie with strong aviation and commercial experience, that has identified non-aviation commercial opportunities.

“I’m confident that with Stuart at the helm, ably supported by a strong management team and governance board we are heading in the right direction.

“There has been some set backs but that’s not stopping us with our vision to be the best provincial airport in New Zealand. We have had to reset our targets, especially in passenger numbers but we are progressing well with other commercial opportunities such as a solar energy park as well as commercial property development prospects.”

Ms Harvey said management, board and its shareholders are looking forward to the opening of the expanded airport terminal, set to open in February 2021.

“We can’t wait. It’s going to celebrate and promote our amazing region and tell the cultural story of Ahuriri. The airport is going to truly be the gateway welcoming people to Hawke’s Bay.

Ms Harvey paid tribute to the outstanding service and huge contributions by Mr Porter and Mr Randell. Mr Porter was been instrumental in ensuring the expansion project has progressed including quickly establishing a subsidiary company of the airport to continue with the construction project in 2018.

“Tony has been rock solid in his leadership and has been instrumental in pushing ahead with the terminal redevelopment and his experience has got us through some dark days. When the airport opens, it will in part be due to his valued contribution and unshakable drive.

“Taine has also made a very strong contribution with his forward-focussed strategic outlook.

“They’re being replaced by some high calibre newcomers. Our shareholders have listened to the skills, experience and diversity we need,” Ms Harvey said.

Mr Nichols has extensive governance experience with previous board appointments including Napier Port. He is currently a director of Eastland Group Ltd and its subsidiaries, a board member of Palmerston North Airport Ltd, chair of electricity lines company Centralines and is the independent chair of the Hastings District Council’s audit and assurance subcommittee. Jon is also the independent chair of the audit and risk committee of Maungaharuru Tangitu Trust.

Ms Reo (Ngāti Kahungungu and Ngāi Tahu) of Hastings, founded award-winning Māori language and culture business CultureFlow and CultureFlow China, which concentrates on teaching English.

Ms Reo, alumni of VUW ( LLB/BA) also holds an MBA from University of Hawaii, having graduated as a Fulbright Scholar in 2017. She has been involved in a number of community projects and is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors. Her skills in Māori business, law and administration will add value to the board.

Hastings District Council Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst and Napier City Council Mayor Kirsten Wise said although there was strong interest in the joint council appointee role Mr Nichols extensive governance and asset management experience set him apart.

“We are pleased to appoint Jon Nichols to the Hawke’s Bay Airport board with his experience covering aviation, ports and the electricity sector,” said Mayor Hazlehurst.

“Mr Nichols is genuinely excited to be part of a key Hawke’s Bay gateway asset and his skill set will add immense value to the changing times the airport company and the Board is working through,” said Mayor Wise.

The councils are also pleased with the appointment of Ms Harvey as chair, saying she is highly regarded with vast governance and corporate experience including Napier Port, Centralines, Aurora Energy, ETCO (Electrical Training Company Ltd) and Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Ms Harvey also serves as a Commissioner on the New Zealand Gambling Commission.

Be part of the Hastings success story

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In the context of a global pandemic recovery, investors are reconsidering all capital decisions. Now, more than ever, regional centres are being looked at for commercial property opportunities. And Hastings, is no exception.

Rob Gill, Director and Owner of Hastings Hive, Hastings’ first large scale co-working space, and the larger site that encompasses the Kiwibank National Operations Centre, sought out Hastings to invest due to its good business fundamentals.

“Hastings has excellent infrastructure and acts as the region’s service hub, thus attracting new business, business investment and workers,” Rob says.

The current low interest rate environment supports the case for portfolio diversification, and drives demand for regional centres of New Zealand.

Rob, and wife Jenny, own a small private company with commercial buildings and shared office spaces spread throughout the North Island.

Rob placed a strategic bet on Hastings growing faster and more steadily than most other centres in NZ, saying “the fundamentals of the Hawke’s Bay economy look good, demand should hold up well and growth will continue steadily as more companies move their business and families to the Bay for access to stable staff and better quality of life, that New Zealanders so value.”

The important part for the Gill’s, which rings true for any investment opportunity, is “to be focused on being part of the Hastings and Hawke’s Bay success story, and to put local business first.”

“Developing what the local market will need in the next ten years, is likely a better bet than trying to guess whether a building will make money…and if you want to understand this, just ask the locals.”

Passionate owners and operators breathe life into Hastings

There’s a growing band of locals working to inject new vitality and economic diversity into the CBD. A key player, Rob Hansen – Principal, Hansen Property Group is currently redeveloping the old Hawke’s Bay Today site, now called Tribune, situated east of Heretaunga Street.

The project is a mixed-use precinct of office, retail and hospitality set in an urban garden, for locals and visitors to work, connect, socialise and be entertained.

The fundamentals of Hawke’s Bay “positions it well over this time, and Hastings is currently an affordable place to invest,” Rob says.

In light of COVID-19, and the impact to commercial property, well-known investment adviser and author Martin Hawes says “I think this will be a time when yet again quality comes through…quality of the location and especially quality of the tenant.”

Bay Plaza Investment Director Hugh Lambie, credits the combination of experience and the backing of national tenants for the success of the $4 million redevelopment of Bay Plaza Shopping Centre.

“It (the redevelopment) was a good long-term investment where we’re still continuing to see growth.

“Landlords will be taking a closer look at the quality of tenants and the people behind the businesses. It’s all about the ability of the tenant to be able to pay the rent.”

Bay Plaza was an existing run-down shopping centre, purchased in 2012, with short leases and no capital investment for over a decade. It desperately needed significant capital investment, and experienced developers with strong contacts to bring tenants to Hawke’s Bay.

The growth story of this region enticed ten new national tenants to Bay Plaza, with some of these tenants going on to open additional stores locally.

Bay Plaza owners are currently looking at this region for further investment due to the strong economic fundamentals.

Recovering and thriving

Hastings Business Association General Manager Anita Alder says while so much is still unknown in the wake of COVID-19, what is known is the general desire amongst the kiwi population to support local.

Many Hastings businesses will rely on this sense of community and investment to get them through these lean times and back on their feet.

Ongoing investment in Hastings, including domestic tourism will be an opportunity for Hastings in coming months – a perfect getaway weekend location.

“There is of course opportunity even within a crisis. It allows us the time to reflect, to rediscover what it is most important to us – including giving back, sharing and investing in our community.

“It’s these values that the Heart of Hawke’s Bay needs as we all recover and begin to thrive together,” she says.

Cultural connection important for HB Airport

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Visitors arriving to the redeveloped Hawke’s Bay Airport will be enveloped by a sense of place and a connection to the special character of the land the airport is based on in Ahuriri.

The airport is on schedule to celebrate the opening of the new terminal in February 2021, after a $20.2 million expansion project that has seen the terminal nearly triple in size.

Although there has been a couple of set backs, including COVID-19 lockdown, the final stages are now being completed with the centralized hospitality and commercial hub as well as the Air New Zealand lounge.

Local artist Jacob Scott, on behalf of local hapu Mana Ahuriri, has been involved in the project since its inception. He has been engaged to design the interior ceiling which when finished will connect visitors to the region and its people by telling the stories of the local area, Ahuriri and its connection to other places in the world.

The whakairo panel installation will form a part of the larger redevelopment project which incorporates further storytelling into other elements of the building’s structure including the outdoor entrance forecourt and the road entry works on Watchman Road.

Jacob says the airport is not only an active public space but serves as an airport that can project artistic ideas on a massive, public scale.

The artwork comprises over 250 plywood panels, approximately 180 running meters, carved using digital machining technology by Lattey Group in Hastings. The completed panels will be suspended above visitors as they enter and move through the airport terminal, forming a single continuous art installation through the interior of the terminal.

In working with local iwi to identify content for the designs, a decision to focus on ideas connected to the airport locality and purpose was made.

The inspiration for the design comes from the Kuaka, a native bird of the area and is a symbol of passage or voyage, of strength and endurance and of journeys and discovery as the Kuaka travels 29,00kms to Alaska and back each year. At the end of their journey the Kuaka feed in the estuary surrounding the airport and the birds provide a link to the world around us.

The fact that the birds travel this far to feed, in this place is significant and as Ngahiwi Tomoana, Chairman Ngāti Kahungunu says “the Kuaka make the longest flight of any man creature or even man-made plane without refueling. This little bird arrives with the wisdom of both worlds, both sides of the veil, that of the living, and that of where those who have passed on dwell”.

As a site of departure the airport is Hawke’s Bays connection with the wider world. It is a lift off point for connections made through trade, enterprise, social and cultural connections.

Jacob says the story has been ever- evolving since the initial concepts were developed prior to construction commencing. He says interwoven into the design is the formation of the land, which underwent significant change with the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake.

Further inspiration has also been the impact of COVID-19, which impacted on the aviation sector grounding flights globally.

“There has been recent turmoil, but we are welcoming people back to Hawke’s Bay again and our people will also take flight and explore the world again, just like the kuaka. We can take flight and go anywhere and anyone will be able to come here from their place too.

Hawke’s Bay Airport chief executive Stuart Ainslie says the design brief was outlined in three key priorities; Express our unique regional identity, Uplift the profile of creative practice in the region and Improve visibility of creatives on a national and international level were identified.

“This project exemplifies how these aspirations are enacted and it will provide a unique setting that will welcome visitors on holiday and for business to the region.”

A Smart way to clean

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Gary Singh always wanted to have his own business. Gary and his family moved to Hawke’s Bay in 2008 and he started to work for a local commercial cleaning business.

He worked hard but wasn’t sure if an opportunity to buy into a commercial cleaning business would eventuate. So he left and went to work at BP Bayview as a café manager. While there, the opportunity came up to buy a café in Hastings, but Gary realised that although he loved making lattes and flat whites, he wasn’t so confident in the kitchen making food.

It was around the same time that the owner of the cleaning business he had worked for was ready to ease into retirement and asked Gary if he was interested in buying the business.

“We looked at the books and decided to give it a go.”

But two weeks out from settlement, the cleaning business’s largest client and over 50 percent of revenue decided to go elsewhere. This was a huge setback and as the sale transaction had already commenced, there was no chance to renegotiate.

Gary and wife Deepti decided that they would give it a go and Gary hit the streets looking for new cleaning contracts as well as building a reputation for quality cleaning.

Through sheer determination and hard work, that initial setback has been the springboard to creating a successful business and it’s Gary’s optimism and planning that will also get the business through the COVID-19 setback.

Over the last 18 months Gary has invested significantly in technology. Although commercial cleaning is labour intensive, Gary is set to launch app-based technology that will enable artificial intelligence (AI) cleaning audits.

The app is currently being fine-tuned via a trial with some of his team and some local clients.

Presently the business undertakes manual cleaning audits every 45 days, but AI will enable technology-based daily audits.

The technology ensures consistency of the quality of the cleaning job as well as improving processes and communications with the client.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Gary’s business was significantly impacted, with many commercial businesses closed and not requiring daily cleaning services.

However, rather than dwell on the pending lockdown, Gary started to look at what opportunities would arise.

Two days out from lockdown he had worked with his cleaning chemical supplier and they were ready to launch a new service offering that would immediately cater for the businesses classed as essential services.

“Ninety percent of the businesses that we clean were closed but we needed to provide a service to those that were regarded as essential service businesses.”

He researched both the Ministry of Health requirements as well as the World Health Organisation’s recommendations and could see a higher level of santisation would become mandatory.

“We knew it was not going to be normal going forward. A few things would change and we needed to adapt to these scenarios. We realised that santisation service provisions were going to be big going forward so we were working harder to ensure we grabbed the most of these circumstances.”

It was hard work to find the right equipment but Gary purchased two santisation cleaning machines to capture the new evolving market.

“It was hard to find the resources but it was also important not to rush and then get caught buying too much of something that might not work – it was important we made good decisions and got the right products.

“We were lucky, we’ve got a good team and we found the right product just before we went into lockdown, so it was fortunate that we had a little bit of cashflow coming in.”

Gary says that as a business owner, he needs to lead from the front, no matter how hard the storm is and not let negativity set you back.

“It’s important to keep yourself positive. There’s a lot of negativity out there and rather than thinking about what’s going to happen, think about what you have at the moment and just keep going.

“My wife was fantastic. Sometimes my face would show the story and the worry, but she would say ‘don’t worry, it will be ok’. Those little words and that support around you make a difference to your mindset and when your mindset is clear, nothing is going to stop you.”

Gary is now in the final preparations for rolling out his new AI- based cleaning app. Watch this space.

The land of plenty will rise again

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Big things were expected from 2020. Hawke’s Bay’s economy was hot to trot and regarded as one of the strongest performing regions across New Zealand.

But, that all came to screaming halt on March 25 when Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that businesses and schools across the country would go into lockdown and we would be forced to stay home for at least one month.

This was a huge jolt to the economy and we could already see the catastrophe that was taking place in other countries such as China and Italy.

The global stock markets went into freefall, dropping at levels not experienced since the GFC in 2007–08 and the Great Depression of 1929–33.

For Hawke’s Bay, many wondered whether all the good work that had been done in recent years to get the economy into such a strong position was going to come undone by COVID-19. We knew that hospitality and tourism were going to be the earliest COVID-19 casualties but what would be next?

Over recent years we have seen unprecedented levels of commercial, industrial and residential development across the Heretaunga Plains as well as in Napier City. Back in 2018, The Profit published a feature profiling over $600 million in construction work.

Meanwhile, our horticulture sector has also been booming, with new varieties planted and increased production; and the viticulture sector had perfect growing conditions that has winemakers calling it a vintage for the times.

The only blip for the region was in farming, which wasn’t based on price of product but a severe drought that has crippled farmers, especially those on the outskirts of Hastings and in Central Hawke’s Bay.

We’re now in a post-COVID-19 environment in New Zealand; we have all resumed our businesses and many of us are holding our breath to see what recovery looks like. For some, the journey is going to be long, longer than a cold winter; tourism is unlikely to get to the same levels for some years to come.

Local campaigns swarm the Bay

There’s been a lot of rhetoric about supporting local businesses first – buy local, shop local, travel local – and there’s been a multitude of support local campaigns, such as Hawke’s Bay Chambers’ Be in the Bay, hospitality’s Hawke’s Bay at Home, We are Team Napier, LocalEyes Hawke’s Bay, the list goes on …

Retailers in our CBDs have woken up to the fact that as well as having a physical retail presence, many have moved into the virtual world of e-commerce, not only selling to locals
but shoppers across New Zealand and the world.

The massive surge in online shopping saw courier businesses like Aramex (founded in Hawke’s Bay over 30 years ago) recording the equivalent of four Christmas parcel delivery periods between Levels 3 and 2, due to many small retailers creating shopify websites.

During the lockdown, The Profit interviewed 12 local business owners and managers. The 15-minute video interviews were a huge success and revealed several common observations: all of the interviewees were optimistic about their businesses’ futures; they believe our economy will recover quicker than other regions; and they regard our primary sector – produce that we grow from the land – as a unique asset that sets us apart from other regions.

Hastings was once known as ‘the Fruitbowl of New Zealand’ and some suggested that this continues to be our point of difference and our economic backbone – the apples, grapes, dairy and animals that prosper on our fertile land.

Major projects all go

One significant game-changing project already financially backed by $12 million of government funding is a Food and Innovation Hub in Tomoana.

The Hub is a cornerstone project of the Matariki Hawke’s Bay Economic and Social Strategy and aims to attract added value food technology and production as well as act as an incubator for new food producer businesses.

There’s also life in the commercial and industrial development scene with the likes of Rockit Apples’ multimillion-dollar packing facility in Irongate; a $70 million private hospital opposite the Hawke’s Bay Hospital; a new Kmart retail complex in Napier; and the final stage of the Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Opera House.

An 50-strong call centre for Ministry of Social Development is also set to be established in Hastings. The airport’s $20.2 million terminal expansion is continuing and they are also promoting a $10 million solar farm; while Napier Port’s new wharf construction at a cost of over $170 million is well underway.

Housing at epicentre of recovery

Hawke’s Bay has had a dire need for new affordable housing and Kainga Ora (formerly Housing NZ) is willing to pump hundreds of millions of dollars into local housing solutions. As well as the government agency’s housing roll-out, there’s been record building consents in Central Hawke’s Bay, Hastings and Napier.

Hastings has several major housing developments including Lyndhurst in Hastings, Waingakau in Flaxmere, along with Arataki, Brookvale and Iona in Havelock North. Napier is continuing to develop housing in Te Awa, Mission Hills and Parklands. Retirement village developments are also boosting the economy with new developments in Havelock North and Napier.

CBD Retail transformation includes online presence

For many years long-established local retailers in our CBDs have come under pressure from big-box retailers as well as, more recently, global retail giants such as Amazon.

Many of these retailers haven’t moved with the times into setting up online websites, but COVID-19 forced some to do so and the benefits have been substantial.

The business associations of Hastings, Havelock North and Napier have been busy developing marketing plans for breathing life back into the CBDs. Hastings District Council has allocated $150,000 support for Hastings, Havelock North and Flaxmere campaigns and it will now be up to the retailers and hospitality providers to convert these efforts into sales.

Anita Alder, the general manager of Hastings Business Association says there is an air of optimism from retailers in Hastings. They’ve had tough times before and they’re a determined bunch of sales people.

“As for any SME, COVID-19 was tough and Hastings CBD was not immune to that; however, Hastings is back and businesses are focussed on driving forward.

“Our larger CBD recovery strategy kicks off at the start of July, assisted by funding from the Hastings District Council for CBD recovery and city developments, such as Tribune, and HDC future development/growth plans prior to COVID-19 are back underway.”

Anita says owners are thinking outside of the box, using their entrepreneurial skill sets to drive forward. Many local retailers since lockdown have included online sales and are seeing positive returns from that, while others used the lockdown period to their advantage, such as local bar The Common Room, which undertook a full refurbishment.

“While we are not fully out of the woods and have a way to go in the SME recovery process, we remain focussed and optimistic.”

Napier City marketing manager Pip Thompson said when lockdown was relaxed and retailers were able to reopen, they experienced a Christmas-like trade. Hotels and motels are increasing their trade weekly so all in all business is reasonably bright.

In Level 1 and beyond, Pip has launched a support local campaign, Buy Local–Win Local, with three $500 shopping sprees up for grabs.

“We visited all the retailers in the CBD when they reopened and they all have a very positive, optimistic outlook. They viewed the lockdown as ‘it is what it is’, and took the opportunity to work on their businesses and look at how they can do things differently.

“Many upgraded their websites and enhanced their online presence, which gives shoppers the ability to shop worldwide 24/7, while high-end restaurants took to the takeaway trade and enjoyed the change of service during Level 3.

“Most importantly, all of our retailers/retail assistants have big smiles on their faces and are glad to be back trading and welcoming people into their stores.”

Councils provide economic recovery stimulus packages

Hawke’s Bay councils have submitted a joint bid to Crown Infrastructure Partners for $314 million of government investment funds for ‘3 waters’ infrastructure projects, which includes stormwater, wastewater and drinking water while the Regional Council will appoint a Regional Recovery Manager to coordinate, support and lead economic recovery efforts.

Hastings District Council chief executive Nigel Bickle is keenly aware of the key role HDC has to play to regenerate and revive the local economy.

Nigel says that during lockdown Council was moving quickly to take advantage of government investment opportunities to help the region recover from the unavoidable economic downturn that would follow.

“Council invests well over $100 million per year to deliver services, maintain assets like our roads and develop critical infrastructure. A good chunk of that ends up as wages for employees of our suppliers and contractors, and that money is then in turn spent with businesses from supermarkets to shoe shops. We are a key stimulus to the economy.”

Following the call from government for ‘shovel ready’ projects, in just a matter of days Council pulled together applications not just for its own programme of work, but also in partnership with its fellow Hawke’s Bay councils.

“We already had 28 projects worth more than $16m that we could resume at Level 3, but this additional funding will help keep people employed and businesses alive without creating a huge rates demand on our community.”

The government responded positively to council’s funding applications and to date has committed to investing over $9 million in Hastings redeployment
opportunities (as part of a wider region allocation) to be used for local roading projects that will bring hundreds of new jobs into the region.

This will include $9.5 million to improve State Highway 51 around Waipatu Marae including upgrades to footpaths and iWays in the area.

Continued communication with key government agencies also saw the announcement of a $500,000 contribution towards drought relief that will benefit the district’s rural community, and the establishment of the MSD contact centre in Hastings.

Central Government has also pledged to invest in building 200 new homes in Hastings, where council is partnering with Kainga Ora to be just one of two cities in New Zealand to pilot a place-based approach to solving the current housing shortfall.

Napier ready to roll

Napier mayor Kirsten Wise says the development of our economic and social recovery and renewal framework for our community is well underway.

Council has a capital works programme in excess of $100m but has lost two potential major projects – the swimming pool complex, which has gone back to the drawing boards and no government funding for the national aquarium.

However this is partly offset with a new civic centre, a food processing plant at Awatoto and several residential developments. Napier is also the home of the Port and the Airport and this will continue to provide offshoot economic stimulus.

“So much is currently unknown about the extent of impacts and pressure points for Napier as we leave lockdown and venture into a new normal under Level 1.

“We want to be agile in responding to the needs of our community over the next 12-18 months. The framework will provide for agility and responsiveness in recovery initiatives, while ensuring that we remain focused on However this is partly offset with a new civic centre, a food processing plant at Awatoto and several residential developments. Napier is also the home of the Port and the our wellbeing goals; make decisions based on evidence; and partner with iwi, businesses, not-for-profits, and our community in the recovery and renewal journey,” Kirsten says.

Record council consents and PGF funding a positive hit for CHB

In Central Hawke’s Bay, the council has worked with its local government counterparts to pull together a list of ‘shovel-ready’ capital projects as part of regional stimulus packages to the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) and Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIP).

The PGF package for Central Hawke’s Bay District Council (CHBDC) included 10 projects across areas such as roading, vegetation management, social housing, and walkways and cycleways, with a total value for these projects approximately $40 million.

The CIP package for the region focussed on three waters infrastructures, and CHBDC had six projects including domestic water supply and wastewater. The total value for these projects for CHBDC is approximately $89 million.

Council is also working with several commercial enterprises on large and medium-scale developments, some of which are applying for PGF funding. These projects have the potential for significant economic uplift for the district, both in their construction phase and ongoing contribution to our economy.

In April the council recorded a strong monthly high of $6.5 million worth of building consent applications lodged in April – a 180% increase on last year’s value for the same month and of a similar value to the $6.7 million worth of building consents lodged in March.

$15 million in projects to move Wairoa forward

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little says the district is continuing to push forward with millions of dollars’ worth of improvement and enhancement projects having received more than $15 million in additional central government funding through the PGF.

He says the investment is spread across the district in a range of building, construction and enhancement projects to support council’s aspiration to make Wairoa the best it can be.

“Our latest boost was around $2.5 million for roading and construction projects, which was part of the $15.24 million for Hawke’s Bay through the Government’s Worker Redeployment Package, announced in March.”

Wairoa work will see the replacement of the Patangata Bridge at Whakaki, realignment of the Nuhaka River Road at Nuhaka and repair of the Rangatahi Dropout at Mahia.

Other physical works include nearly $5 million for a town centre revitalisation project; $7 million towards the sealing of the Mahia East Coast Road; $2.2 million for bridge strengthening; and $400,000 for the creation of a regional digital hub in the Wairoa library.

A business case is also being conducted to look at all the options for access into the peninsula, and the realignment of the Nuhaka/Opoutama Road and access to Wairoa will further be improved with the $5 million funding for ‘pre- implementation’ work on the Waikare Gorge safety realignment project on State Highway 2 between Wairoa and Napier.

A series of non-council independent and iwi projects that directly relate to employment have also received PGF support.

“This work is just the beginning. Council continues to partner with local iwi and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council on a range of vital projects that we hope will also receive Government support.”