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Working hard to keep cargo flowing and support regional economic growth

Napier Port has delivered a strong half year earning result. Napier Port CEO Todd Dawson says a strong port is important to region’s economic prosperity. “When the region does well, Napier Port does well and vice versa. That’s why it’s pleasing to deliver strong earnings recovery in the first half of our financial year.” In the first six months of...

Unison – 100 years of powering Hawke’s Bay business

In the early days of electricity, power generation, and supply were managed by local Councils or Municipal departments. Hastings first gained electricity in 1912. The Electric Power Boards Act of 1918 allowed Power Boards to provide electricity to areas not served by local governments. In 1923, backed by Hawke’s Bay County, a committee formed a Power Board to manage electricity...

Podcasting from the Bay – Yvonne Lorkin & Dan Brennan

Podcasting is the fastest growing media globally, creating fortunes and celebrity status for the likes of Joe Rogan, Bill Simmons, Karen Kilgraff and Georgia Hardstark (My favourite murder). There’s an oddity about sending questions to local podcasters for a written and published feature… Hawke’s Bay has some amazing podcast talent who enjoy sharing their experiences and knowledge in a particular...

New Sport and recreation leaders ready to tackle challenges

Three sport organisations at the forefront of increasing participation, health and wellbeing and supporting our top athletes to reach the pinnacle of their sport have new leaders at the helm. Sport Hawke’s Bay has promoted Ryan Hambleton to chief executive while the Regional Sports Park Trust (RSPT) has Glenn Lucas as its new chief executive and Hawke’s Bay Community Fitness...

PROPOSED TOURISM FUNDING CUTS WILL HAVE CATASTROPHIC EFFECT

Proposed funding cuts to Hawke’s Bay Tourism will have a catastrophic effect on the region’s economy, with more than $250 million likely to disappear from local businesses, if the cuts go ahead. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s proposal to defund visitor attraction over three years would, in reality, force Hawke’s Bay Tourism to shut up shop in July with the lights...

Exploring the opportunities and risks of AI in business from a legal perspective

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in the business world, offering newfound opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. However, along with these opportunities come legal implications and risks that must be carefully navigated. AI algorithms can process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, helping businesses identify trends, predict future outcomes, and make informed choices. This...

Cyclone Heroes – Beca – global experts get on the disaster frontline

When Matt Sanders returned home to Hastings in 2021 to lead global consultancy firm Beca’s Hawke’s Bay office, he was excited about the opportunities of being involved in the creation of new places and spaces. He never expected that just two years later, he and the team would be switching from being involved in projects such as the HB Airport...

A new grape vine of opportunity – Table grapes reach high end stores in Japan

Hawke’s Bay is renowned for award-winning wines, but super-sized table grapes grown on the Heretaunga Plains could fetch eye watering prices in high-end department stores in Tokyo, Japan. In New Zealand 90 percent of grapes grown are for wine with 10 percent for eating, while in Japan it’s the opposite with a bunch of golf ball sized in-season grapes fetching...

Power change for Unison

After 21 years leading the charge at Unison, Ken Sutherland is stepping down. As Ken looks to flick the switch off as chief executive of one of Hawke’s Bay’s largest companies, he took time out to reflect on what has been an incredibly successful tenure, building the community-owned business from a turnover of $33 million in 2002 to a turnover...

Sir Graeme Avery recognised for contribution to Hawke’s Bay

Visionary sport, community and business leader Sir Graeme Avery has been acknowledged for his immense contribution to developing over $80 million in high performance and community facilities, tackling community health issues and supporting youth to reach their potential. The newly completed 72 bed hostel, part of a campus of sport and health facilities at the regional sports park in Hastings...