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.
Infometrics quarterly report
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Read and add comments (0) *}
The Bay of Plenty was the top performing regional economy during the March 2021 quarter according to provisional estimates from Infometrics’ Quarterly Economic Monitor.
Tertiary education update
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 Read and add comments (0) *}
Two of Bay of Plenty’s largest tertiary education providers are enjoying significant increases in domestic student enrolments, with growth expected to continue well into next year.
Workforce – Kiwifruit sector update
Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Read and add comments (0) *}
The kiwifruit industry is one of the largest sectors in the Bay of Plenty, contributing $1.5 billion to the region in 2020.
Kiwifruit is also New Zealand's largest horticultural export with the value of exports rising $115 million (54%) this month alone.
BOP population projection snapshot
Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Read and add comments (0) *}
Earlier this month Stats NZ released its subnational population projections. Based on 2018 data, the latest projections indicate the Bay of Plenty will have the fourth-highest growing population in New Zealand by 2048 and, between 2018 and 2023, will be the highest growing region.
Nationally, the low, medium and high growth projections all indicate that there will be more people living in most regions in 2048. However, the population growth rate will slow between 2018-2048 due to smaller family sizes and an ageing population. All areas will be home to more people aged 65 and over in 2048, while deaths will increase relative to births in almost all areas as the population ages.
In the medium term, New Zealand could have a smaller proportion of children in 2048 than in 2018. Additionally, the upper North Island – Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty – is projected to make up 53 per cent of NZ’s population by 2048 (medium projection). It was 50 per cent of the population in 2018. A recent news item on TV3’s The Project provided some corresponding insights into New Zealand’s decreasing birth rate, including the “Why”, and what it means for the future? Watch it here.
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 (1) *}
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.