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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...

Whirlwind two years for duo

Ma mua ka kite a muri, ma muri ka ora a mua. Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead Through their kaupapa to support others, working out of their Maraenui base, Tipu Ake Tonu directors Theresa Carter and Sally Crown know firsthand the power of the whakataukī (proverb) above....

‘Muni’ awakens with metro city vibe

The doors shut to Hutchinson’s eight years ago, as well as the Municipal Building and beloved Assembly Hall, due to the building being earthquake prone. Now the Municipal Building (‘Muni’) is springing back to life as part of the overall Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre rebuild project that began in 2016, costing over $45 million. The ground floor has been transformed into three hospitality offerings,...

WoolWorks leads the way in emission reduction

Local wool scourer business WoolWorks received more than $4 million in co-funding from GIDI Fund to convert gas and coal boilers at their Awatoto (Napier) and Washdyke (near Timaru) sites to more modern and efficient hot water heat pump technology. The new hot water pump at Awatoto, which will be one of the most sophisticated and largest in New Zealand, will replace the site’s natural gas-based...

Unhappy at Work? Here’s 4 tips to consider before quitting

According to the latest TradeMe Jobs Employer & Job Hunter Intentions Report released in April, almost 6 in 10 Kiwis are keeping an eye out for a new job or would be open to a role if the opportunity came up. This comes as no surprise; the last two and half years have taken their toll, with many feeling burnt out, disengaged and unhappy in their professional lives. With...

Boxing academy and CD cricket get new home

Giants Boxing Academy founder Craig McDougall can’t wait to open a purpose- built complex to share with Central Districts Cricket, as well as Aikido, fencing and possibly table tennis, at the Mitre 10 Park. Craig and his 140-plus members – mostly youth whom many regarded as ‘at risk’ – will move from their inner-city premises to the sports park in...

Doctor sticks to script to create world class hospital

This vision has been driven by Dr Colin Hutchison, who will be joined by local surgeons and local investors in creating a state of the art world class hospital. Kaweka Hospital’s stage 1 will open in July in Canning Road, Hastings and is expected to undertake 5000 operations a year. Stage 2 is also under construction and is set to...

Hastings – like a big city but better

Hastings District is the centre for employment and economic growth and ready to strengthen its position as the economic powerhouse of Hawke’s Bay. Hastings District Council economic development manager Lee Neville says the thriving primary sector district has a new wave of industry and business launching from the solid economic foundations on offer. Lee points to Foodeast, a $18 million...