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.

 

Getting Lift off – youth development programme profile

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To counteract concerns the job market would get harder for its rangatahi (young people) following the Covid-19 outbreak, they fast-tracked plans to create jobs themselves and LIFT Business on Emerson Street, Napier, was born.

This retail hub, supported by council and charitable funding, opened its doors in August selling products made by LIFT’s rangatahi ‘clients’ or their broader whānau. Part of the shop is set aside for running a screen-printing business, while out the back rangatahi with business ideas work through business modelling and skills courses with staff.

“This is literally the only initiative like this in New Zealand,” says LIFT founder and director Jody Hamilton. Fledgling businesses are already hatching. One 22-year-old participant has launched a domestic cleaning business with help from LIFT Business. “She came back in to us on Thursday because she needs to hire someone now. It’s brilliant,” she says.

“Even within our retail hub we’ve hired seven people to fill retail associate and screen-printing jobs, who were all unemployed before. Five of them had never worked before in their lives,”
says Jody.

This proactive attitude is what got LIFT started in the first place. The statistics on job prospects for Māori boys in Hawkes Bay, did not impress Jody. With a young son herself she wanted to do something about it and in 2017, LIFT Youth Employment began.

A key part of its success is its Bounce Programme, which teaches rangatahi about how their brains work, communication style and integrity. They learn their pepeha (self-introduction) and about their turangawaewae (where they come from), as well as employer and employee expectations.

“This culminates in the graduation at the end of the two weeks, where they present a plan of where they want to be. It includes personal and professional goals and that’s what we use as the basis of working with them. Then we do whatever it takes to deliver that. It’s transformational,” Jody says.

Many will have been involved with the criminal justice system, so LIFT spends time working with various services to help their clients get on track towards their goals. Others may need help with getting their driver license. “We tend to be receiving through our doors what other people think are the most disadvantaged and unruly kids in the area. But everyone has dreams and aspirations, even these rangatahi deserve the right to chase them,” says Graeme Ewart, in charge of LIFT’s business development.

LIFT uses a reverse marketing approach – establishing what the rangatahi want and then finding an employer that fits, rather than the other way around. It’s getting results. LIFT exceeded the employment target on a recent government contract by eight times. They aim to move 95 individuals a year towards employment and have already worked with about 700 people since LIFT began.

“Even if [the rangatahi] wants to be a rocket scientist, we start them on that journey. Over time they realise that they might need to do some other jobs or training along the way,” Graeme says.

Find out more about LIFT Youth Employment and LIFT Business – www.liftyouemployment.nz

 

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.

Bubble bursts for tourism in the Bay – but it will rise again

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Tourism was the first casualty of COVID-19 with no international tourists flying in, nor any NZers able to travel outside of the region during full lockdown. This was a major hit for many of Hawke’s Bay’s tourism operators as well as the hospitality sector.

Tourism is a major economic earner for the region, to the sum of $690 million and for sometime Hawke’s Bay like many other regions will now be relying on domestic tourism. We will also be hotly competing to lure the likes of Aucklanders and Wellingtonians to the Bay and up against the likes of Rotorua, Queenstown and Nelson. So what do we have planned? The Profit has put some questions to Hamish Saxton, the general manager of HB Tourism.

Tourism has been one of the first sectors to feel the impact of COVID-19. What was the initial response from local tourism operators?
We’re a resilient and positive bunch – but it’s hard when you remove our customers completely. But it’s not just our tourism operators – when you remove the visitor economy from the entire local economy, we all feel it. We lose the vibe and the energy of visitors enjoying the place that we love to show off. When you have no-one to show off to, it’s an extremely lonely existence!

What types of support has HBT provided tourism operators since the crisis began?
As a membership organisation, and as the representative organisation of an important sector of our economy, we worked to provide support, leadership, knowledge, guidance – and what we couldn’t do, we worked to find the right agency that could.

We wanted to be informed (so we could share what we knew), we wanted to be transparent, we wanted to be available, we wanted to be empathetic, we wanted to be the go-to.

In addition, we provided a 12 month membership holiday for members, we increased frequency of communications/updates through newsletter, revitalised our Facebook site for industry/ members, and made access really easy.

We also created an informal Friday “chinwag” sessions with members on Zoom, surveyed members/stakeholders at each level so we can represent (and understand/respond to) the needs of our industry.

We worked with visitor economy/members (eg promoted Chamber of Commerce initiative to members), developed workshops to strengthen businesses as well as worked with the hospitality sector on a deliveries initiative for Level 3.

We developed a Hawkes Bay Tourism Recovery Marketing Strategy – working to generate business from Locals, Inter- regional, the drive market (within 4 hours) and the Fly market domestically.

You were a casualty yourself – being forced into isolation early, due to being overseas. How did you manage to keep up your connection with stakeholders at that time?

It’s true, I had 9 days of quarantine before Level 4 lockdown commenced. But I had my phone, laptop, zoom, skype, messenger, and Facebook – there was not a minute when I was not contactable. Most of my ‘holiday’ was spent in a hotel room using my phone like a laptop, on emails and reading reports, dealing with the looming challenges of COVID-19 on our sector. It’s amazing how you just adapt to the situation. And then I came home and entered quarantine.

You have managed to turn quickly into looking for solutions, and have sought outside advice and support which helped come up with the Baycation idea, was it hard coming to a conclusion on what idea (s) to run with, or was this a stand out from the start?

Pre-Covid our strategic intent was developing a focus on Wellington, so the pandemic brought this forward and forced us to crystallise our thinking. The relative clarity/guidance from government regarding the alert levels meant that staycations would be the earliest stage of travel (either local or inter- regional). Staycation easily morphed into Baycation, and the concept was quickly embraced by industry, locals and media alike. Our thinking was aligned. We worked with enthusiastic supporters who were so keen to see Hawke’s Bay succeed. We knew we had to work with urgency and work in conjunction with our industry.

Is there any particular type of tourism business/offering that will ride this out better than others?
The answer will be “the types of offerings domestic visitors have demand for”. As New Zealand’s food and wine country, we know that people love coming here for our food and wine offerings, our outdoor leisure offerings – cycleways, walkways, beaches, gardens, our architectural heritage – and our climate. My understanding is that numerous businesses enjoyed our Queen’s Birthday visitors – accommodation, hospitality, attractions, activities and retail! Our challenge will be to out- compete the other 30 tourism regions in New Zealand who will be vying for the attention of our market. We need to get “more than our fair share”.

When do you think we are likely to see the big HB events come back on stream?
I really hope that Level 1 will allow big events to occur. I really hope that the safe management of our health, and our own individual respect and responsibility for the recommended social behaviour will see confidence return without compromise – and therefore the demand for events. Outdoor events may be more palatable in the first instance. We have so many great reasons to attract people to our region and planning is well underway – including the Sotheby’s Hawke’s Bay Marathon, Central Hawke’s Bay Springfling, Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival, Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction, F.A.W.C!, Holly Hospice – and so much more.

Do you think there will be an emergence of a new tourism offering – and what could this/these be?
In normal circumstances, 75 percent of our market is domestic. For the next few months, it’ll be 100 percent domestic and then (hopefully) we’ll have a trans-Tasman bubble. So, our target market already loves what we have, and they’ll be drawn to events. The domestic market will come to visit friends and family. They’ll want to see something familiar and maybe they’ll do something new, which may be something we already have that they’ve not enjoyed before. We have a lot to explore, from the fantastic heritage offerings of Ongaonga to the glorious natural hot springs of Morere (and everything in between) – there’s a multitude of different Baycations to enjoy! They’ll come for our reputation as a food and wine destination, for family leisure and for the holiday vibe. They’ll come for our authentic offerings. Demand will dictate. And lastly, perhaps there will be the emergence of new offerings that I simply can’t predict . What do they say – necessity is the mother of invention – so the entrepreneurial spirit may deliver something the crystal ball doesn’t show.

You are asking Wellingtonians to support HB and come and visit. If you’re thinking of your next holiday destination – where will it be and why?
Like many New Zealanders I have a great desire to catch up with friends and family – and to do a few things I’ve not done before. So, I’ve committed to a you-beaut 7-day motorhome holiday exploring Northland, which will tick the box for doing a few things I’ve not done before, as I’ve not been north of Matauri Bay (and it was a brief, brief visit) . . . friends and family will have to wait.

Industry hungry for tech-savvy EIT graduates

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EIT’s Schools of Business & Computing are ready to kick off a new term, now accepting enrolments for the Master of Digital Business, the Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Business as well as the Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Business. These programmes are delivered at both Hawke’s Bay and Auckland campuses and have been a major draw card for students since their premiere in February this year.

“Graduates of these programmes will be able to harness digital technologies, manage technology for businesses and improve digital transformation for organisations. The demand for tech- savvy managers has never been greater,” says Dr Sabine Hoffmann, Head of School for both Business and Computing.

Courses cover topics such as data analytics, e-commerce and e-business, digital marketing, digital entrepreneurship and innovation and management of emerging technologies.

Sabine Hoffmann says, “The employability of graduates is our number one focus. With their advanced digital skills, graduates will meet the growing demand for digital know-how and will be highly sought-after in the job-market.”

Lately, the schools have added other cutting-edge qualifications to their portfolio responding to the increased demand from industry. The Master of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, the Postgraduate Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management as well as the Postgraduate Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management are designed for working professionals who want to advance their expertise and keep up to date with a fast-evolving industry.

All these programmes share some courses to enable students to move across disciplines in business and computing and craft a study plan to suit their professional pathway. At the end of the day, it all comes down to job relevance.

Well-trained employees are the backbone of New Zealand’s economy.

The school is also dedicated to connect their students with local businesses – a win-win-situation for students and industry alike. Dr Tom Hartley, senior lecturer at EIT’s School of Computing, for instance is in the process of developing a student-run International Student Business Hub (ISBH).

Expecting to roll out in August this year, the programme plans to support Hawke’s Bay’s international business community by bringing them together with EIT’s bright international business and computing students.

Tom will be working alongside Associate Professor Jonathan Sibley and others on a research project to investigate the advantages that the programme will provide for EIT’s international students and how the programme could link our domestic businesses with international commerce.

Sabine says, “Engaging with EIT’s highly-skilled international students will enable local businesses to connect to the world. And these connections are what EIT values, fosters and continues to create.”