News Feed
Keep up with all the latest news and progress updates from Bay of Connections.
You can also sign up below to receive an email notification when updates are released.
March 2021 News Update
Thursday, March 25, 2021 Read and add comments (0) *}
Kia ora koutou,
It’s been another busy month for the region since our last update.
Our Leadership Group met for the first time this year recently to have a robust discussion about our key focuses for 2021 and our Work Plan.
In short, our Leadership Group reaffirmed that our role should be focused on adding value to existing activities across the region, and connecting and facilitating discussions to advance wider opportunities or challenges that impact us all. You can read more about this below.
In case you missed it – we are currently seeking Expressions of Interest for a business leader to be appointed to our Leadership Group. To learn more about the role, responsibilities and function of Bay of Connections and the Leadership Group, please read the Expression of Interest here - this is open until 5:00pm Wednesday 31 March.
Late last month Infometrics released their Quarterly Economic Monitor for the Bay of Plenty region, reporting that the Bay (as a whole) is indicating economic activity resilience – although the picture looks slightly different in certain parts of the region. The report provides data updates on both the 2020 calendar year, and the final quarter ending December 2020. The Bay of Plenty report covers Eastern Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Western Bay of Plenty.
Expressions of Interest – Bay of Connections Leadership Group member
Friday, March 12, 2021 Read and add comments (0) *}
Expressions of interest are being sought for an experienced business leader to be appointed to the Bay of Connections Leadership Group.
Bay of Plenty showing economic activity resilience
Friday, February 26, 2021 Read and add comments (0) *}
Infometrics’ Quarterly Economic Monitor for the Bay of Plenty region indicates that as a whole, the region is showed a level of economic performance that is higher than the rest of the country, largely driven by strong performance in Whakatāne and Tauranga.
February 2021 News Update
Tuesday, February 9, 2021 Read and add comments (0) *}
Kia ora koutou,
I hope you managed to spend some time with whānau and friends over the Christmas/New Year period, are still enjoying our Bay summer and ready to tackle the opportunities 2021 will bring.
Cities and towns across the wider Bay of Plenty region seem to have been buzzing with kiwis exploring their own backyard this summer and we’re looking forward to seeing how that translates into real numbers on the ground.
In other ‘number’ announcements, the latest unemployment figures released last week appear to have caught many analysts by surprise, with the national unemployment rate falling to 4.9 percent in the December quarter, down from 5.3 percent in the previous quarter. While there was a quarterly decrease, the total number of unemployed stands at 141,000, which is still higher than a year ago. We have a round-up of various economic commentaries and statistics further in this panui.
Another key announcement in the past week has been the Climate Change Commission’s draft advice for Government in order to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Commission’s conclusion is that there are “achievable, affordable and socially acceptable pathways” for Aotearoa to reduce its emissions to help achieve a better future. In their words…no emission reduction is too small – or too soon.
The release of this draft advice is timely and relevant for the Bay of Connection’s key focus areas, and we’ll be incorporating this in our discussions as we finalise our work plan for this year. You can read more about the Climate Change Commission’s report below.
Finally, in case you missed it late last year, Tim Hurdle was appointed Chair of the Bay of Connections Leadership Group in December. A brief note from Tim on his appointment and 2021 vision is below.
Tim and I have begun meeting with stakeholders across the region to get a sense of priorities and to socialise Bay of Connections’ draft work plan for the year. These meetings are incredibly valuable to understand how Bay of Connections can best support local and sub-regional initiatives, and identify areas of regional focus.
On behalf of the Bay of Connections Leadership Group and operational team, I wish you all the best for 2021 and we look forward to working with you for the benefit of our region.
Ngā mihi,
Dean Howie.
Steaming hot – geothermal opportunities abound for wider Bay of Plenty
Monday, December 21, 2020 Read and add comments (0) *}
With a history that stems back to Māori legend, and the potential to support New Zealand’s transition to a low carbon economy, the wider Bay of Plenty region’s geothermal resources offer a globally unique proposition for businesses, developers and investors alike.
November 2020 News Update
Friday, November 27, 2020 Read and add comments (0) *}
Kia ora koutou,
Many of this year’s big milestone unknowns have now been ticked off – we have a new government in place here in New Zealand, and a new president-elect ready to lead the United States in its COVID recovery – all with just over a month to go until the country winds down for the holidays.
After such a tumultuous year we’re looking forward to the big re-build that will be 2021. And here at Bay of Connections, we’ve been talking about our role in making sure any regional plans for the wider Bay of Plenty are cohesive, collaborative and sustainable.
As our leadership group member James Hughes writes below, we have an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine how we live, work and play in urban centres and think about what we can do now that in 50 years we will look back at and be proud of.
The Bay of Connections data function was developed in response to a need for shared regional economic data. This month, we’re releasing our first set of monthly data insights, designed to provide a high-level overview of key indicators across the Bay of Plenty. Each quarter we will be producing more in-depth analysis of these figures.
In this newsletter, we also say haere rā to the wonderful Andy Blair who has been such a force on our leadership team. She is off to continue conquering the world wearing her multiple hats as a business owner, regional leader and mentor. We look forward to continuing to connect with her on various interconnected kaupapa in the future.
Ngā mihi,
Dean Howie
October 2020 News Update
Monday, October 12, 2020 Read and add comments (0) *}
Tēnā koutou,
It’s pleasing to see the arrival of warmer weather and the region bustling as people head out on boats, boards and bikes to enjoy the final week of the school holidays and the extra hour of daylight in the evenings.
It’s hard to believe we’re already in October, and as we enter the final quarter of the year we welcome news of no active community cases of COVID-19 and Auckland returning to level one, while eagerly anticipating the outcome of the General Election.
EOI - Bay of Connections Leadership Group Independent Chairperson
Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Read and add comments (0) *}
Expressions of interest are being sought for an Independent Chairperson of the Bay of Connections Leadership Group.
Doing recovery well a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’ for Bay of Plenty region
Saturday, April 18, 2020 Read and add comments (0) *}
A collaborative and unified regional development plan will be critical to ensure a strong and sustainable recovery from COVID-19.