Economic Development News: November 2024
Published on 05 November 2024
Kia ora koutou, welcome to our economic development quarterly update packed with the latest on our economic scene and a recap of what’s been happening around the district.
With 2024 nearly wrapped up, we still have a full schedule of opportunities before the busy Christmas season hits. Dive in to catch up on recent highlights and see what’s coming up next.
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IN THE KNOW
Economic insights
The latest economic data for our region shows limited growth amid mixed sector performance.
Recent data shows that our Thames-Coromandel District experienced marginal economic growth of 0.5% over the year, higher than the national decline of 0.2%. However, subdued growth in the latter half of 2023 held the region's overall growth for the year ending June 2024 at zero. The quarterly increase was primarily driven by fishing and agriculture, with some support from public administration, while sectors like construction, retail, hospitality, and transport saw declines.
Employment across Thames-Coromandel fell slightly by 1.5%, with overall annual growth of just 0.2%. Unemployment rose to 4.5%, the highest in a decade, attributed to fewer job opportunities and a larger pool of job seekers. The number of Jobseeker Support recipients in the region rose by 4.2% over the past year, which was notably lower than the national increase of 11%. However, jobseeker numbers have remained high since 2020, with June 2024 figures showing a 70% increase over pre-pandemic levels. Youth employment prospects have also been affected, as industries that typically hire young people, such as retail and hospitality, have seen limited job availability. This has resulted in 13.3% of Thames-Coromandel’s 15–24-year-olds being classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).
In the housing market, Thames-Coromandel saw some improvement in recent quarters following Cyclone Gabrielle's impact in 2023, though the market remains subdued in line with national trends. House values in the region fell by 2.7% annually in the June 2024 quarter, despite an 18% increase in sales volume over the year.
Tourism recovery in Thames-Coromandel has also slowed. While guest nights increased by 8.2% over the year ending June 2024, they declined by 3.6% in the June quarter. Domestic guest nights fell by 6.6%, while growth in international guest nights slowed to 11% in the same period. Overall, tourism spending in the district grew by 9.2% over the year ending June 2024.
Read full report(PDF, 860KB)
Local jobs for local people
The Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) Community Employment Programme is a nationwide partnership between Local Government New Zealand and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
The focus is assisting young people aged 16-25 into sustainable employment in their local area.
If you are considering taking on a new employee consider having a quick chat to our Community Partnerships team about the support available through Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs and MSD for employers to take on young jobseekers.
There are wage subsidies available to cover the initial employment period while your new employee or apprentice is gaining the skills and experience they need to be productive in their role.
Mayor's Taskforce for Jobs Support:
- Assistance sourcing applicants
- Mayors Taskforce for Jobs subsidy may be available for PPE, tools and training for new recruits.
- Assistance with Driver Licencing
- Arranging Post-Placement support for successful applicants
- Meeting with you and our local MSD Work Broker to discuss possible employer support packages.
The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs is a movement of Mayors around Aotearoa who are working together towards the vision of all young people 16-25 engaged in employment, education, or training in their communities. If you would like further information, please contact our Community Partnerships Co-ordinator - Helen Flynn (helen.flynn@tcdc.govt.nz)
Tukia tō reo ka rere | Let your voice fly
If you live, or work, or play in Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki and Matamata-Piako we want to hear from you about what matters most, to help our community groups and our Council inform important decisions.
The first 2,000 people to complete the survey will go into the draw to win one of 80 gift cards valued at $25 each – one in every 25 wins.
This survey is a part of the Hauraki Opportunity Project, working together to better understand the unique community profile that makes up our Thames-Coromandel District and deliver a reputable wellbeing measurement and management framework.
Find out more | Complete the survey
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
Funding HQ: Coaching sessions
Our Council partnered with Funding HQ to provide bssiness Associations with the opportunity to participate in a six-month series of coaching sessions. Participation in the Funding HQ opportunity has included membership and access to the Funding HQ website and resources plus a monthly online coaching session.
Funding HQ is a purpose-built online capability building platform, developed to educate, support and provide structure to not-for-profits, local government and community organisations needing to secure funding.
To find out how to connect with your local business associations click here.
Outstanding customer experiences courses
Our Economic Development and Community Partnerships teams were pleased to team up with local business associations and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to bring customer services training to the district last month. A series of one day courses were run in Whangamatā, Whitianga, Coromandel Town, and Thames, with over 60 job seekers, school leavers, and local business employees attending.
Earlier this year local business associations shared a need and wish to run customer services training in their local communities. Through our partnership with the Ministry for Social Development we were able to offer these free for attendees.
Course trainer Bronwyn Lord from Nevis Training led each day of training, covering communication and listening skills, managing difficult customers, and leaving positive lasting impressions so customers have the best experience. The day was filled with insightful information, self-awareness exercises, and interactive activities that stretched the skills of attendees and demonstrated key concepts.
Business managers and owners who had signed up employees to the training joined us during lunch to tell us more about their business and what customer service means to them. It was great to hear how much they value their employees, the importance of providing a good customer experience, what they look for in a potential employee, and how they advertise and hire.
These sorts of trainings are not possible without support from a big network of people across our social support sector and business community, so thank you to all involved. Attendees had an amazing time connecting and growing their customer services skills that’ll serve them in their careers and in their personal lives too.
Hauraki-Coromandel Business Awards
An iconic business that embodies the essence of the Hauraki and Coromandel districts has been crowned supreme winner at this year’s local business awards.
The Waterworks was awarded the supreme prize at the Richardsons Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards 2024 in Thames on Wednesday 23rd October
Judges said The Waterworks, which also won the Contribution to Tourism and Hospitality award, embodied the Hauraki and Coromandel essence through its vision, values, and culture which made a clear contribution to the region, particularly tourism.
Read the full story here
Destination Hauraki Coromandel tourism sector update
Destination Hauraki Coromandel (DHC) hosted an update on their 2023/24 reflections before presenting what's in their pipeline for the future. This marked the return of the first region-wide update since the global pandemic and the January/February 2023 storms hit Hauraki Coromandel. Key learning came from the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) presentation including their work at Cathedral Cove. While they aim to have track access open in December, they remain concerned about its stability. DOC is cncouraging visitors to “share with care” and respect posted signs.
This update provided an opportunity to understand topical issues for the tourism industry around the world and here in Hauraki-Coromandel.
Read more
Podcast pick
Looking for a podcast that dives deep into some of New Zealand’s biggest challenges and opportunities? Jess has a fantastic recommendation: The Good Awaits. This podcast is perfect for anyone interested in shaping a tourism future that genuinely supports communities and cares for our environment.
In each episode, you’ll find real-world examples from across New Zealand, along with practical insights on sustainable tourism. It's an inspiring listen that sheds light on ways we can all contribute to positive change.
Listen here
COMING UP
Event season building
Get ready for a summer filled with events! From vibrant outdoor festivals to hands-on workshops, performances, and family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone. Invite your friends and family to make unforgettable memories—mark your calendars and dive into the season’s festivities.
For a true Coromandel adventure, don’t miss the Ridge Runner Trail Run on Saturday, 16 November! Choose from a 24km or a newly added 12km trail, perfect for runners and walkers alike. Your entry includes a finisher's medal, gourmet burger, night camping at Whitestar Station, and an after-party featuring live music, a bonfire, and marshmallows.
See events calendar
Funding HQ workshops
Community groups and not-for-profits are invited to a half-day workshop with Funding HQ, to learn about accessing sustainable funding streams. Funding HQ is a platform designed to support the not-for-profit sector, by providing resources, training and advice.
Funding HQ's founder, Jenni Giblin, will be visiting the region to deliver the workshops in-person, at our Council offices on the following dates.
- Whitianga, TCDC Whitianga Community Board Room – Wednesday 6 November, 9am-12pm
- Whangamatā, TCDC Whangamatā Community Board Room – Thursday 7 November, 9am-12pm
Find out more
Business After Five (BA5)
Earlier this quarter, we enjoyed supporting the Coromandel Colville Business Association’s BA5 networking event, where attendees connected, shared kai, and heard the latest from our Economic Development Team.
Now, we’re excited to host the Thames Business Association's BA5 on Tuesday 12 November, 5:30pm at the Thames Information Centre. Join us to hear from guest speakers and get an update on the Thames Shoreline Protection and Resilience project.
If you’d like to attend, please RSVP to the Thames Business Association - manager@thamesbusiness.co.nz
We look forward to seeing you there.
Buying a business: What you need to know
Thinking about buying a business but not sure where to start? This interactive workshop, run by our friends at Soda, will guide you through the essentials of purchasing an existing business, with expert advice from Tabak, JH Law and Profinance.
Date: Tuesday 12 November 2024
Time: 5.30-7.30pm
Location: The Café, Ground Floor Wintec House, 9 Nisbet St, Hamilton
The workshop will cover:
- Is business ownership right for you?
- Pros and cons of buying an existing business
- How to finance your venture
- What to look for in a business (and red flags to avoid)
- What legal considerations you need to take into account throughout the process
- Making the business your own
- Q&A session with experts
Register now for the special introductory offer of $49 (usually $149).
Get tickets