In the wake of a transformative year, Ngāti Kahungunu leader Bayden Barber reflects on the iwi’s journey through 2024 and shares his vision for the region’s future. From responding to natural disasters to driving economic growth, the iwi’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and unwavering commitment to community wellbeing.
Unison Group is gearing up for significant transformation in 2025, as New Zealand’s fifth largest electricity distributor adapts to meet evolving energy demands while strengthening network resilience. CEO Jaun Park sees both challenges and opportunities ahead for the company. “The Unison network has over $700m worth of electricity distribution network
As Hawke’s Bay positions itself to Thrive in 2025, the region’s business and community leaders are cautiously optimistic, pointing to falling interest rates and early signs of economic revival across key sectors. In wide-ranging interviews with business leaders, council executives, and iwi representatives, common themes emerge: a focus on infrastructure
Matt Crowther is on a mission to champion the adoption of AI, transforming the way Hawke’s Bay businesses operate and compete on a global scale. Matt has forged a career as a project and operations manager working for the likes of Firstlight Foods and Sirtrack, a NZ owned telemetry business
How is your business using AI technology or planning to use AI? The latest Work Trend Index by Microsoft says New Zealand workers are the third fastest adopters of generative AI tools globally and AI could add up to $102 billion to GDP per year by 2038. The Profit asked
The year gone by was tough for all New Zealanders, and the civil construction sector has not been immune. With the change of government in 2023 leading to uncertainty across central and local government and private markets, and with New Zealand in poor economic shape, a planned and committed programme
The five Hawke’s Bay councils have submitted a joint proposal to central government with the aim of securing a new Hawke’s Bay Regional Deal. Hastings Mayor, Sandra Hazlehurst says in line with the Government’s strategic framework, the Hawke’s Bay proposal centres around driving economic growth, delivering connected and resilient infrastructure
The summer heat wasn’t the only thing creating a buzz at the latest Profit Unleashed business event. Drawing inspiration from the engaging formats of The Graham Norton Show and Sportscafe, this sold-out gathering brought together an eclectic mix of business innovators for an evening of insights, laughter, and compelling conversation.
Under the soaring glass ceilings of The Atrium in Hastings, more than 200 people gathered for the inaugural The Profit Unleashed, a celebration of talent, grit, and ingenuity thriving in Hawke’s Bay. Beyond applauding success, the evening offered candid insights, shared challenges, and a resounding belief in the power of
Summerfruit NZ, the industry body representing over 240 growers of apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, and plums, has partnered with FizzyPop for their 2024/2025 summer campaign. After a competitive pitch, FizzyPop, the Hawke’s Bay-based advertising agency, secured the collaboration. “We wanted to show that sweet and tasty cherries, nectarines, peaches, apricots,
