Economic Development News: 2024 wrap

In June, we ran a series of dynamic workshops by Mosaic Partners, aimed at helping local organisations unlock the potential of ChatGPT, one of the most accessible and versatile Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools on the market. These workshops provided invaluable insights into how businesses and individuals can use ChatGPT effectively to streamline tasks, enhance productivity, and explore creative problem-solving. 

This workshop was a brilliant step forward for our community, showcasing how tools like ChatGPT can be integrated into Kiwi businesses to boost efficiency and innovation. Here’s to embracing AI as a partner in shaping the future.

If you missed the workshops you might like to find out more about ChatGPT by subscribing to ‘Mosaic Swift' from Mosaic Partners fortnightly newsletter here.  

In October we hosted a series of one day customer service workshops that left attendees inspired and empowered. Organised by our Council's Economic Development and Community Partnerships teams in collaboration with local business associations and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), the workshops attracted over 60 people, including job seekers, school leavers, and employees from local businesses. 

 

This initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of our social support sector, business community, and training experts. The workshops created a space for learning, connection, and growth, equipping attendees with skills that will serve them in their careers and personal lives alike. 

 

 Thank you to everyone involved in making these workshops a success. It’s incredible to see our community come together to build capabilities and strengthen the local workforce. 

Funding HQ workshops held around the district in November provided local not-for-profits with an update on the funding landscape and essential skills to navigate funding opportunities. Attended by more than 60 people, feedback was very positive:

“I was super impressed with your presenter. I have attended this type of seminar before and have come away without feeling I had gained much. However, Jenni was very impressive and I am sure we will make use of her excellent tips.” - Joyce, Walk Tairua.

“I just wanted to pass on my thanks to the Council for facilitating such a valuable event for those organisations in the Thames area in need of guidance in sourcing funding.  Another outcome has been the connecting of those attending and the realisation that we can help each other by networking. I look forward to further initiatives by the council. Well done.” - Carolyn, Grey Power.

The next step is a further round of seven-month Funding HQ coaching sessions in early 2025, giving 24 community groups across our district the opportunity to enhance their fundraising capabilities. 

Knowledge shared is knowledge gained 

Our Council also partnered with Funding HQ to provide business associations with the opportunity to participate in a six-month series of coaching sessions. As part of this membership, the associations gained access to the Funding HQ website and resources, plus monthly online coaching sessions.  

The ability to provide this opportunity to our business associations is invaluable to our communities. We hope that the knowledge gained can then be passed onto our local businesses and community groups.  

To find out how to connect with your local business associations click here. 

Thanks to our friends at Business Mentors New Zealand and the EMA, earlier this year we gave away 20 free one year long mentorships to small businesses and organisations in our district, read the article here. 

Starting a new business can feel overwhelming, no matter your age or experience. We spoke with one of our winners Isabel Gilbert-Palmer, on her journey into business ownership and how business mentoring gave her the guidance and support to turn an idea into reality.  

After 30 years abroad in Europe, the UK, and the USA, artist and writer Isabel returned home to Kūaotunu. When COVID brought her chef-and-baker son back from the USA, his love of making sourdough sparked the idea for a bakery. Isabel gave up her writing and craft space for the bakery renovations and began rethinking her own plans. “I began with a small business idea of turning my purpose-built l-Library, Editolibro into a community library,” Isabel says. "I wanted to create a space where people can borrow books, buy second-hand finds, and enjoy art exhibitions featuring local crafts.”  

The idea of mentoring excited Isabel, but she realised she needed help to make it work. “In my seventh decade I thought I could learn a few more things and I thought it would be a good mental challenge and a unique offering which isn’t available in my rohe,” she explains. 

Isabel's reasons for mentoring were both personal and practical. She wanted to feel confident talking about business, especially with her children, and she didn’t want to lag behind her son’s bakery as just the “side project next door.” 

“I thought, if I’m going to do this, I need to do it right,” she said.  

Mentoring turned out to be the perfect fit. Her mentor brought structure to her ideas and helped her focus on the bigger picture. “She wasn’t just a business advisor—she was a guide, a listener, a questioner and someone who helped me keep on track,” she said.  

Together, they worked through everything from branding and legal advice to planning and timelines. “My mentor led me on from the romance of my little project, I know more about focus than creative scatter, about tight mission statements” 

The process has given her new confidence. “Now, I can talk business with my kids and even share advice. My goal is to hear them say, “Mum you're on it!" 

Isabel believes mentoring isn’t just for people starting out. “It’s for anyone, whether you’re trying something new, changing careers, or even starting late like me," she says.

The key, she explained, is finding the right mentor. “Being able to choose a mentor was invaluable.” 

Isabel's next steps involve refining her ideas for her library space, Editolibro. She’s focused on developing a book-lending system, improving her branding, and building a solid foundation. 

“It’s waiting for action, and thanks to my mentor, I feel ready to tackle what’s ahead. I feel courageous and prepared,” says Isabel. 

We’ve thoroughly enjoyed hosting and attending business events across the district this year.  

In March we attended the Whangamatā business expo where a panel of experts shared top tips over breakfast and provided free one on one sessions for local businesses.  

At the beginning of July we were pleased to support the Mercury Bay Business Association’s BA5 networking event, hosted at Espy Café. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to network, share in some great kai and hear from a range of speakers.   

Later in July we enjoyed supporting the Coromandel-Colville Business Association’s BA5 networking event. Attendees heard from a range of speakers including an update from our Council's Economic Development Team.  

In August we were pleased to host the Tairua Business associations BA5 at the Old Mill Cafe. 

In November we were excited to host the Thames BA5 at the freshly opened Thames I-site. The venue was opened by Mayor Len Salt. Members heard an update from Economic Development Team and spent the night networking with other local businesses in the newly opened information centre.

After our Council's hosting of the Aquaculture Forum in 2022, greater collaboration between industry, policy and iwi was highlighted. The Waikato Regional Aquaculture group was created. Collaboratively this group has created the Investing In Coromandel Aquaculture And Marine Infrastructure booklet. This document looks at the opportunities for aquaculture in the Coromandel, presenting its potential for the district, investors and New Zealand.   

This document is a huge win for the aquaculture industry and enables progress to achieving goals of the Waikato Aquaculture Strategy that sets out a path to double export growth by 2044. 

In June, the Kōpū Marine Precinct, opened by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, marks a transformative moment for our Thames-Coromandel District. This $15.3 million facility is poised to boost the region's marine servicing industry and aquaculture sector. 

Economic benefits are projected to reach $58.5 million over 30 years, with up to 100 new jobs created across aquaculture, engineering, and secondary industries. 

Described as "game-changing" by Waikato Regional Council Chair Pamela Storey, the project reflects collaboration among central and local government, iwi, and the business community. It underscores the district's vision to double aquaculture exports by 2044 while enhancing sustainable marine practices. 

The investment in the Kōpū precinct is one of the key drivers set to facilitate a major growth in the aquaculture and marine servicing sectors in the Thames-Coromandel District.   

Find out more

Thames marked a milestone with the grand opening of its new Information Centre, located in the Thames War Memorial Civic Centre. Mayor Len Salt led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, praising the collective effort that turned the vision into reality. 

The $50,000 refit, funded by the Thames Community Board, and ongoing operational support of $50,000 per year from the Thames-Coromandel District Council, reflect a commitment to enhancing the town’s appeal. Managed by the Thames Business Association, the centre highlights Thames as a unique destination rich in history, culture, and tourism opportunities. 

This collaborative project involved the Thames Community Board, Ngāti Maru, Brand Matter, and other key groups, embodying the community spirit that made this achievement possible. 

The Coromandel Trails forum continued to provide a vital platform for sharing ideas, updates and innovations across our tracks and trails network. This year’s forum highlighted the importance of partnership and collaboration, showcasing the pivotal role community projects play in developing a sustainable and accessible trail network for all. 

Learn more

We were proud to present at the Sport Waikato spaces and places hub, sharing insights on trail development and the role of tracks and trails in supporting active lifestyles. This presentation highlighted the alignment of our work with regional and national goals for recreation, wellbeing and community engagement, further solidifying our district’s reputation as a leader in outdoor recreation. 

Discover Sport Waikato’s Spaces and Places strategy here. 

This year, the Tairua River Trail took another significant step forward with our Council accepting the role of controlling authority for the trail without assuming ownership of assets. This arrangement ensures effective management while preserving the community-led spirit of the project. 

Grassroots initiatives like the Tairua River Trail demonstrate the value of local involvement in trail development, creating a lasting impact for residents and visitors while boosting local tourism and recreation opportunities. 

Follow updates on the trail here.  

The Whangamatā Black Rock Mountain Bike (MTB) event continued to draw participants and spectators from far and wide, reinforcing Whangamatā’s status as a premier mountain biking destination. Visitors to these events generate an estimated $400 daily spend over three-night stays, highlighting the economic benefits trail-based tourism brings to our region. 

Learn more about Whangamatā Ridges MTB Park here. 

New kauri dieback signage, developed in collaboration with the Ministry for Primary Industries' Kauri Ora program, are being rolled out across our district’s trails. These signs are a crucial tool in raising awareness and promoting best practices among trail users to prevent the spread of this devastating disease. 

Learn more about Kauri Ora here. 

While the Regional Trails Master Plan remains a work in progress, its development continues to build on a strong foundation of collaboration with key stakeholders, including Herenga ā Nuku and the Department of Conservation. This year’s achievements underscore the transformative power of trails for recreation, conservation, and economic growth. 

We look forward to another year of progress as we continue to create connections, both across our district and with the people who call it home. 

A report from our Economic Development team's Jessica Black titled “Understanding our Workforce” examines our district's workforce demographics, employment patterns, skill levels and industry distribution.  

Key findings include the district's aging population, high rates of part-time and self-employment, and challenges in youth engagement. The report emphasises the need for targeted workforce development initiatives and highlights opportunities to support underemployed groups, improve education pathways and attract younger, diverse populations to sustain the workforce and economy. 

Read full report 

The New Zealand Business Association announced in May the Whangamatā Banking Hub trial will stay open for another three years as New Zealand's five largest banks (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank and Westpac) extend their commitment to regional branches.