Damon Harvey

Business Leaders
Port success sets region up for growth
The foundations for the growth and success of our regional economy are underway at Napier Port, with the operation posting record cargo volumes, delivering a strong financial result, and lodging an application for consent to build a new wharf. A record 4.754 million tonnes of cargo crossed the port’s wharves in the year to 30 September 2017, up from 3.916...
Business Leaders
New pastures for Brent Linn
Brent Linn has stepped down as general manager of Hawke’s Bay A & P Society, one of the region’s oldest and most traditional organisations. Brent was in the role for seven years and during that time has seen the society add additional events such as the Edible Garden Show, while at the same time ensuring the long-term sustainability of the...
Business Leaders
Nash rolls sleeves up for SME’s
There’s a new party running the country, Labour, and Napier MP Stuart Nash has picked up one of the most coveted and important portfolios – in fact he’s got two – Minister for Small Business and Minister of Police. We thought it was important to get Stuart’s views on how the government can support SMEs and what opportunities he sees exist for...
Business Profiles
Insure HB – New venture for Insurance Brokers
Long-time work colleagues Rick Behague and Kerry McIntyre have stepped outside of the safety net of being employed to set up their own local insurance broker business. Rick and Kerry have worked alongside each other in the insurance industry for 13 years, within large multinational firms and also a local independent broking company. They always wanted to own a business...
Pro Features
New Hawke’s Bay business a game changer for women
Hawke’s Bay woman Robyn McLean is having fun with her new business venture that is a game changer in women’s health. Robyn and long-time friend Mary Bond, based in Wellington, have launched the Hello Cup Company producing a range of menstrual cups – something that has released them from their bugbear of buying single-use tampons. Hello Cups not only save...
Pro Features
Co-working and Shared Spaces – Join the Movement
Co-working (shared worked spaces) is gaining in popularity in the Bay, with a wide range of businesses and people co- located in shared spaces. While it is common to attract start-up businesses, self-employed professionals or freelancers, for others it’s an opportunity to reconnect outside of working from home, or to further develop a not for profit or social enterprise. Cultivate...
Business Profiles
Building owners on shaky ground with new legislation
Due to the new earthquake-prone building legislation, building owners across the country could be facing a mandatory structural assessment to determine whether or not their buildings are earthquake prone. No longer will owners of older buildings be able to postpone structural assessments as the new legislation gives clear guidelines on time frames. Local councils are required to assess their building...
Pro Features
Hawke’s Bay Deer Velvet Goes International
It’s only been two years since Josh Buckman took the reins of the well- known Hawke’s Bay deer velvet company Gevir but already he is charging ahead, exporting the product to new markets with a unique proposition for natural health seekers. Gevir is now exporting to China and the United States with plans to be in six other countries by...
Business Leaders
Garth Cowie – Napier Port boss weighs anchor after 18 years
Back in 1999, Garth Cowie “traded oysters for red wine” when he left the top job at South Port in Bluff and headed north to become chief executive at Napier Port. “At the time I most probably thought I was getting the raw end of the deal but I’ve certainly found that the lifestyle and the growth prospects here were...
Business Leaders
George Reedy – Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga chief executive
George Reedy is the chief executive of Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga, a charitable trust that provides a wide range of health, social and education services to over 10,000 whanau. The Profit put a series of questions to George. What’s your background? I grew up in Tikitiki, up the East Coast, surrounded by uncles, aunts and grandparents. That gave me a...