Strong pipeline fuels economies engine room

Hastings is the economic engine room of Hawke’s Bay based on producing food for the world.

As the city celebrates 150 years in 2023, it can look back at its industrious forefathers such as Sir James Wattie, Sir Graeme Lowe and more recently the likes of meat mogul Craig Hickson, apple growers the Paynter family and winemakers the Buck family of Te Mata Estate.

Hastings District Council is keen to keep the economic momentum, attracting new businesses to the district, albeit with land development challenges with a fast growing population and a continuing demand for growing on the Heretaunga Plains.

Over the last 12 months Hastings District Council has also been successful in securing government funding for a number of major infrastructure projects that boost economic outcomes. This includes financial support for Foodeast, a food innovation hub, the museum regional arts storage building and $9 million for active transport initiatives. While the private sector has also come to the party with projects set to be realised in 2023 such as Foodstuffs with $50m in two supermarkets in Flaxmere and Havelock North); St Pierre’s and Restaurant Brands in hospitality (as well as smaller operators across Hastings East); and T&G building largest cool store facility in the southern hemisphere in Hastings.

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst says council will continue to focus on enabling business attraction and industrial expansion as well as continue to build on the partnerships it has developed across sectors to bring on initiatives such as the Irongate Trades Training.

“We need to ensure we support a pipeline of skilled workers to support economic growth.

She says continuing with the CBD Vibrancy programme that supports economic growth is also a critical element of the overall programme. This includes bringing urban living into the city – the first being an 18 unit apartment complex.

“We are also continuing to identify opportunities presented within our central city from underutilised buildings –≠ working with property owners/ developers to attract business into them that justifies redevelopment.

Over the next 12 months this will extend to Stortford Lodge to support other new developments such as the St Pierre’s and a rebuild of the Unichem Pharmacy.

“We will also welcome the return of the region’s economic development agency to Hastings, which will connect businesses to a range of business support agencies.

“Council has a $400m capital works programme over three years from 2023 which supports commercial and industrial expansion and housing development along with decide on the future use of the Heretaunga House site, opposite council’s main administration building.”

Napier is proudly ‘open for business’

Our inner city is busy and growing with a number of new businesses offering fantastic retail and hospitality experiences. Sympathetic to our heritage architecture and the unique character of Napier, these businesses and inner city living opportunities are adding vibrancy and interest to our diverse commercial and retail offerings. Council actively supports entrepreneurship, fosters new initiatives and works with businesses to navigate the regulatory landscape.

Celebrating our coastal, port city

Protecting our natural environment is vital while creating opportunities for locals and visitors to enjoy all that Napier has to offer. Significant redevelopment of key locations in and around the Iron Pot and Ahuriri Inner Harbour is already underway. This complements the heritage character of these areas while providing contemporary living and working spaces for businesses to thrive. These developments will be further enhanced by the staged implementation of the Inner Harbour Plan over the coming years.

Smart places and spaces

An easy city to enjoy on foot, by bike or other micro-mobility options, Napier understands that the experience of the journey is as important as the destination. Designing well connected urban spaces that encourage social interactions enhances wellbeing while supporting a vibrant economy. Our new Civic Library Precinct is currently undergoing major revitalisation, with the creation of a new library and the public face of Council planned for completion in 2025. Part of this redevelopment involves the enhancement of laneways and connections through the CBD to create a dynamic, versatile place for our community and visitors.

Vibrant inner city heart

Café culture is alive and well with a full range of experiences that enrich the vibrancy of the CBD. Our inner-city hospitality offerings are award-winning and enjoyed by locals and visitors. There’s something for all tastes and by enhancing the spaces between, such are squares and laneways, we are encouraging people to journey through the city and experience all it has to offer.

Loving city living!

Complementing bustling hospo and retail zones, local developers are redeveloping key buildings within the CBD to provide high-end inner-city living. It’s great to see quality design outcomes injecting life into an already beautiful city. Creating an engaged and invested community is key to strong economic outcomes for Napier and the region.