News

We’re excited about what has been happening in our region!

Industry, Business & Employment

Quarterly Economic Monitor – March 2023

Cyclone Gabrielle heavily disrupted the Tairāwhiti economy over the first quarter of 2023 and while this hampered usual economic activity levels, various indicators highlight the remarkable momentum the region has been able to maintain.

Data from the latest Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor shows Tairāwhiti saw a fall in economic activity, mainly due to periods of digital and physical isolation.

Community Initiatives

May distributions 2023

The Motu Trails Charitable Trust will receive $90,000 from Trust Tairāwhiti over three years to boost their marketing and promotions to attract more visitors to the region.

It was one of eleven applications approved in the Trust’s latest funding round, totalling $179,556.

Govt approves extra $25 million extension for cyclone-affected businesses

18 April 2023 - From the office of Hon Grant Robertson

The Government is providing an additional $25 million to help more businesses in the clean-up from the damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle affected regions and...

Community Initiatives

April distributions

Four community groups were supported with grants totalling $178,000 in the latest distribution round from Trust Tairāwhiti.

Hikurangi Enterprises Limited, a not-for-profit whānau housing initiative, was approved $113,000 to go towards lease costs, enabling them to extend their existing site and increase...

Community Initiatives

Warmer Kiwi Homes programme

Grants for home heating and insulation are available for eligible homeowners in the Tairāwhiti region.

Warmer Kiwi Homes is a Government programme offering grants that cover up to 80 percent of insulation and heater costs for eligible low-income homeowners.

Community Initiatives

Quick-turnaround community grants

In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, 49 community groups in Tairāwhiti were supported with quick-turnaround grants to help their recovery efforts.

The Trust Tairāwhiti board met shortly after the cyclone and agreed to make $372,502

Tairāwhiti Wellbeing

Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey data now online

The first tranche of insights and data tables from the Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey (TWS) are now available online.

The TWS ran for nine weeks from October 2022, with the aim to improve local data and better understand the wellbeing of our region.

Govt approves $25 million extension for cyclone-affected businesses

15 March 2023 - From the office of Hon Grant Robertson

The Government is providing a further $25 million in grants to help more businesses in cyclone-affected regions with the clean up and get them back...

Applications open for business support grants

Tairāwhiti businesses can now apply for a business support grant of up to $40,000 to support their recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle.

The Government has allocated $4.5 million in this tranche of funding for the region, with applications now open.

Organisation

Interim Cyclone business support to be locally led

26 February 2023
- From the offices of Hon Grant Robertson and Hon Kiri Allan

Organisation

Tairāwhiti funding confirmed for business support grants

Trust Tairāwhiti has welcomed the Government’s funding announcement today to help businesses following the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.

The Government is providing $25 million in grants to help businesses in cyclone-affected regions across Aotearoa to get back on their feet.

Organisation

Cyclone Gabrielle Business Update #1

20 February 2023

Location: Trust Tairāwhiti - Ground floor, 50 The Esplanade, Shed 3, Inner HarbourOpen hours: 8am to 5pm every dayBusinesses are welcome to come in and...

Community Initiatives

December distributions

Over $530,000 was awarded to 12 community groups and initiatives in the final funding round for the year from Trust Tairāwhiti.

The largest distribution of $280,000 was approved for Gisborne City Vintage Rail (GCVR) to contribute to repair work on seven rail bridges used by the...

Tairāwhiti Wellbeing

Final call for the Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey

There is just one week left to complete the Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey (TWS) and ensure your voice is captured within this regional data.
More than 800 people have already done the survey, with solid participation right across rohe from Motu to Muriwai to Wharekahika.

The survey is a condensed version of the Government’s NZ General Social Survey, with an additional module specific to Tairāwhiti.

Industry, Business & Employment

Strong uptake of Digital Boost platform

Trust Tairāwhiti has been partnering with the Ministry of Businesses, Innovation and Employment and local organisations, Ask Alice, Tai Tech and Tolaga Bay Innovation to provide digital skills workshops for small businesses across the rohe.

Each organisation delivered a programme of workshops over the last few months to build digital capability and introduce digital tools into businesses.

Industry, Business & Employment

September Quarterly Economic Monitor

The Tairāwhiti economy remains ‘constrained’ due to a range of challenging conditions, according to the latest Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor.

Provisional estimates show a 1.4 percent fall for the September 2022 quarter compared to last year, while on an annual basis economic activity slowed by...

Network Sale

Eastland Group and shareholder Trust Tairāwhiti announce sale of Eastland Network to Firstgas Group, owned by Igneo Infrastructure Partners, for $260 million

Eastland Group and its sole shareholder Trust Tairāwhiti have announced the sale of Eastland Network to Firstgas, owned by Igneo Infrastructure Partners, for $260 million. Eastland Network is the electricity lines company for Tairāwhiti and Wairoa, delivering power to nearly 26,000 customers across 12,000 square kilometres.

Eastland Network is the electricity lines company for Gisborne, Wairoa and the East Coast.

Community Initiatives

Seven community groups supported in Trust’s November funding round

Trust Tairāwhiti will fund $350,000 this year towards the Eastland Rescue Helicopter Trust’s (EHRT) life-saving services for the region.

This follows the Trust’s previous funding of $350,000 a year since 2017 to support EHRT operations, enabling them to invest in leading technology and equipment that has continually improved their service across Tairāwhiti.

In the year ending March 2022, the Trust Tairawhiti Rescue Helicopter flew 234 missions, with 60 percent of call-outs to remote locations north of Tolaga Bay.

Regional Tourism

Cruise season returns to Tairāwhiti

Tairāwhiti will welcome its first cruise passengers for nearly three years, with the cruise season officially kicking off this month.

The Heritage Adventure carrying 140 passengers is the first to arrive on 16 November, followed by the Westerdam with more than 1900 passengers.

Network Sale

Special meeting of Trust Tairāwhiti

Beneficiaries are welcome to address Trustees at a special meeting of Trust Tairāwhiti on 18 November, as they consider all community feedback around the proposed sale of Eastland Network.

Trustees will also receive a final recommendation from Eastland Group following the commercial process.

Network Sale

Gisborne and Patutahi community engagement hui

Trust Tairāwhiti and Eastland Group will hold Gisborne and Patutahi community engagement hui next week about the proposed sale of Eastland Network.

The Gisborne hui will be presented by Trust chair John Clarke and Eastland Group chair Matanuku Mahuika.

Tairāwhiti Wellbeing

Have your say in the Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey

The community is invited to take part in the first ever Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey (TWS) to help build comprehensive data about how we’re doing as a region.

A major project for Trust Tairāwhiti, the survey was designed to improve our local data and better understand the needs of our people.

Network Sale

Update on proposed sale of Eastland Network

Eastland Group and its sole shareholder Trust Tairāwhiti have today advised the proposed sale of Eastland Network has progressed into the due diligence stage.

After receiving a number of non-binding indicative proposals in September, the board of Eastland Group and Trustees reviewed each against set criteria including asset value,...

Network Sale

Community hui on the proposed network sale

Trust Tairāwhiti and Eastland Group will hold a series of community engagement hui about the proposed sale of Eastland Network.

Presented by Trust chair John Clarke and Eastland Group chair Matanuku Mahuika, each hui will begin with background information and rationale for the proposed sale...

Community Initiatives

September distributions

Trust Tairāwhiti will fund $343,000 towards cultural components around the 1000-year bridge and Te Maro viewing platform.

This follows a joint application from Gisborne District Council, Ngāti Oneone and the Department of Conservation for funding to complete the final cultural heritage features...

Network Sale

Network sale update

Eastland Group and its sole shareholder, Trust Tairāwhiti, advised on 13 September 2022 that a number of non-binding indicative proposals to acquire electricity lines business,...

Industry, Business & Employment

Increase your business's research and development capability with student grants.

Local businesses can now apply for Callaghan Innovation Student Research and Development Grants.

The grants are designed to help businesses access fresh talent through providing student internships.

Community Initiatives

Rua Bioscience

Rua Bioscience is inspiring the next generation of East Coast scientists, researchers, communicators and entrepreneurs through its internship and scholarship programmes.

Chief executive Rob Mitchell says the company seeks out extraordinary people who embody their kaupapa and relish the idea of sharing their expertise.

Community Initiatives

Hospice Tairawhiti

Hospice Tairawhiti staff, patients and volunteers, are enjoying a far broader and more comfortable range of services since the opening of the new day services and administration building last year.

It was a huge effort from all to raise the $3.2m required for the project, with the money coming from grants, donations and plenty of fundraising.

Future Generations

Community facilities: Skate Park and Pump Track

The new Skate Park and Pump Track is attracting hundreds of visitors of all ages every week, who are making the most of the world-class facilities right here in Tairāwhiti.

The collective that fundraised and project managed both facilities, Tairāwhiti Adventure Trust (TAT), has a mission for young people to achieve their potential through action...

Industry, Business & Employment

Workforce development: Building careers

Supporting quality, well-paid employment options. Trust Tairāwhiti is one of several local agencies working together to address the region’s workforce and skills challenges.

Our workforce development advisors work with local employers, schools and training providers to boost the regional workforce and support quality, well-paid job creation.

Community Initiatives

Gizzy Kai Rescue

It’s impressive when you crunch the numbers on the efforts of Gizzy Kai Rescue (GKR) but dig a little deeper to discover they have offset 137,939kgs of CO2 for the region, and their impact really comes home.

In the year to December 2021, the not-for-profit food rescue organisation collected 77,156kgs of food – with a retail value of $571,953 – that otherwise...

Future Generations

Climate leadership

Climate leadership is identified as a key commitment in the Trust’s strategic plan, Te aka rautaki ki te tau 2026 and over the year, we have built climate considerations into all funding and decision-making processes.

This focus has flowed through the Trust’s role as the Economic Development Agency (EDA).

Community Initiatives

Trust Tairawhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter

When the weather is at its worst, it’s likely the Eastland Helicopter Rescue crew will get the call-up to help, but it is thanks to Trust Tairawhiti support over the last five years, that the region has this valuable service.

Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust (EHRT) chair Patrick Willock says they simply couldn’t operate without that financial help.

Industry, Business & Employment

Business support: Wisewool

The Trust’s business growth team supports small to medium businesses to achieve their potential, offering a range of services tailored to individual business needs.

Gisborne company Wisewool is using agritech innovation to revitalise a fifth-generation family business and bring stronger returns to local farmers.

Community Initiatives

Motu Taonga Tuatara Project

An ancient line of living fossils will be able to continue thanks to the work of ecologist Steve Sawyer and the Whinray Ecological Charitable Trust.

The Rhynchocephalian reptile – a spiritual tuatara species associated with myths and legends – has been around for more than 250 million years.

Organisation

Annual report, financial statements and statement of intent now available

The Trust’s Annual Report 2022 is now available.

The report, which provides an overview of our activities for the 2021/2022 financial year, is available here, along with detailed financial statements here.

Community Initiatives

Six community organisations supported with over $200,000 in funds from Trust Tairāwhiti

An initiative to provide surfing programmes in East Coast townships was one of the major recipients in the latest funding round from Trust Tairāwhiti.

Gisborne Boardriders Club was granted $120,000 towards their Surf for Life East Coast project, which will see containers being installed at Tokomaru Bay, Waipiro Bay...

Organisation, Network Sale

Eastland Group and Trust Tairāwhiti announce plan to sell Eastland Network to fund investment in energy transformation and community wellbeing

Eastland Group and its sole shareholder, Trust Tairāwhiti have today announced a plan to unlock value from the successful growth of Eastland Group to underpin...

Organisation

Livestream event for Tairāwhiti Techweek

A livestream event showcasing tech creativity, innovation and opportunities in Tairāwhiti will be held as part of the nationwide Techweek later this month.

Delivered by Trust Tairāwhiti, the event will be broadcast over one-day from Rāngai Studios with co-hosts Mātai Smith and Rāhia Timutimu leading presentations and engaging...

Organisation

April distributions

Seven local community groups will benefit from grants totalling $59,500 in the latest funding round from Trust Tairāwhiti.

The projects and initiatives all demonstrated strong alignments with the Trust’s wellbeing framework, He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora, and applicants will capture data to report...

Industry, Business & Employment

Flood support and advice for businesses

We understand businesses have been impacted by the recent weather events and there is widespread damage, logistical challenges and financial implications for many.

The wellbeing of our communities and businesses is a Trust priority, and our business advisors are available to provide advice and support wherever possible to...

Regional Tourism

Have your say on the future of Tairāwhiti tourism

The people of Tairāwhiti are invited to have their say on the future of tourism and the visitor economy in this region.

As the Regional Tourism Organisation, Trust Tairāwhiti is engaging with stakeholders and the wider community to develop its Destination Management Plan (DMP).

Industry, Business & Employment

Youthtown takes over Licence to Work Programme

As the Licence to Work (LTW) youth employability programme enters its sixth year in Tairāwhiti, not-for-profit organisation Youthtown will take over the programme from Trust Tairāwhiti.

LTW is a cross sector, business-led initiative designed to respond to business and industry concerns that young people may not be developing the employability skills...

Regional Tourism

Rebuilding tourism under the Covid Protection Framework

East Coast MP and cabinet minister Kiri Allan met with local tourism operators last week to discuss doing business under the new COVID-19 Protection Framework.

Organised by the Trust Tairāwhiti tourism team, the hui held at Dive Tatapouri was an opportunity for the industry to better understand the rationale behind...

Community Initiatives

November distributions

A not-for-profit, whānau housing initiative by Hikurangi Enterprises was the biggest recipient in the latest Trust Tairāwhiti funding round.

Hikurangi Enterprises was granted $63,000 towards the lease of a new site for their Whare Ora Build project, which will provide locally built, healthy and...

Organisation

Christmas events cancelled due to COVID-19

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise around the country, a decision has been made to cancel the inaugural Kirihimete in the Park event and Santa’s Grotto in the CBD.

Trust Tairāwhiti planned to hold the event as an alternative to the Christmas Parade, while the Santa’s Grotto at Treble Court has been a family...

Organisation

Important COVID-19 announcement

Two wastewater samples in Tairāwhiti have tested positive for COVID-19. There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tairāwhiti at this time.

We encourage anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms and who has had any out of district exposure (e.g.

Future Generations

Free Climate Action Workshop for Tairāwhiti businesses

Local businesses looking to reduce their climate footprint are invited to attend a free online Climate Action Workshop next week.

Trust Tairāwhiti is partnering with the Sustainable Business Network to host the workshop, which will cover how to use the recently developed Climate Action Toolbox.

Organisation

Vaccinations in the workplace made easy

Tairāwhiti businesses and employers can play their part in the national vaccination campaign by making it easy for staff to be well-informed and fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Turanga Health is available to help any local business through the process by providing accurate vaccine information to employees and bringing their mobile vaccine clinic into workplaces.

As well as running the vaccination drive-thru at Harry Barker Reserve and pop-up clinics in suburbs around the rohe, the Turanga Health team has had...

Community Initiatives

October distributions

Over $120,000 was awarded to a diverse range of community projects and events in the latest funding round from Trust Tairāwhiti.
The recipients demonstrated strong alignments with muka (outcomes) of He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora, the Trust’s wellbeing framework and are enthusiastic to see outcomes come to fruition.

Motu Trails Charitable Trust was one of the biggest recipients, receiving $30,000 towards the operational costs of the trails between Tairāwhiti and Ōpōtiki, including development,...

Industry, Business & Employment

Impacts of permanent carbon farming in Tairāwhiti

A report on the impacts of permanent carbon farming in Tairāwhiti highlights the long-term challenges it may pose for the region, including the potential for significant job losses.
Trust Tairāwhiti commissioned the report following requests from farming, forestry and environmental sector representatives who were concerned about the regional implications of carbon farming.

While the report does not reflect a regional position, the intent was to better understand the impacts of carbon farming and encourage ongoing conversations about...

Organisation

New Eastland Group board appointments

Two new directors have been appointed to the Eastland Group board.
Company shareholder Trust Tairāwhiti appointed Hamish Bell and Debbie Birch to the board of the Gisborne-based infrastructure, logistics and energy company.

“On behalf of the trustees, I’m pleased to welcome Debbie and Hamish to the Eastland Board group,” said Trust Tairāwhiti chair John Clarke.

Organisation, Community Initiatives

Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival 2021 programme change

Through lockdown and into Delta Alert Level 2, Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival team have been working hard to deliver a vibrant celebration of the creative...

Industry, Business & Employment

Businesses more resilient in lockdown

Local businesses are less concerned about the current lockdown compared to last year’s, according to the results of a Trust Tairāwhiti business survey.

Future Generations

Registrations open for native forest regeneration event

Recloaking the Whenua is an online event focusing on permanent native forest regeneration across Tairāwhiti.

The aim of the event is to share information about opportunities for converting land to indigenous regeneration, as well as risks to farming and forestry...

Industry, Business & Employment

Local businesses encouraged to complete lockdown survey

Trust Tairāwhiti has launched an online survey to capture the impacts this current lockdown is having on local business owners and operators.

Accessible through the Trust website, the short survey asks questions around the areas of business affected by lockdown, types of support that would be...

Industry, Business & Employment

COVID-19 Business Support

The Government roll out of business support is well underway for those affected by the current COVID-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown, and new information is being released regularly.

In this update you will find access to the most up-to-date business support information, as well as links to apply for the Resurgence Support Payment...

Regional Tourism

Essential Worker Vaccinations and Financial Support

Today’s announcement of the nationwide countrywide lockdown extension is part of the ongoing COVID-19 rollercoaster. We are looking forward to the Monday announcement, where hopefully we will start to see positive news.

In the meantime, Tūranga Health has opened a vaccination centre, especially for frontline workers.

Organisation

COVID-19 Alert Level 4

The Government's decision to move all of New Zealand into COVID-19 Alert Level 4 at midnight 17 August 2021 was rapid but not unexpected given we are facing community transmission of the Delta strain.

Alert Level 4 means:

Community Initiatives

Funding confirmed for community facilities

Trust Tairāwhiti will fund up to $15 million towards ‘early win’ sports facility projects, including waka storage facilities at Anzac and Marina Parks and the skatepark redevelopment.

Chair John Clarke announced the funding at the Trust’s 2021 Annual General Meeting held at Gisborne Airport.

Organisation

Annual Report 2021

Trust Tairāwhiti has released its Annual Report 2021, providing a comprehensive overview of its community investments, regional economic development, and wellbeing focus.

Over the 2020-21 financial year, the Trust distributed $2.3 million for projects benefitting the people of Tairāwhiti.

Community Initiatives

July distributions

Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti (SGT) was one of the major recipients in the latest Trust Tairāwhiti funding announcement, with $75,000 going towards a shared services pilot programme for up to 10 sporting codes and charitable groups in the region.

SGT is developing a shared services hub to support the not-for-profit sector in providing quality, consistent delivery into the future.

Organisation

Trust Tairāwhiti appoints John Clarke as Chair

Trust Tairāwhiti announced today that experienced trustee and former Mayor of Gisborne John Clarke has been appointed new Chair of Trust Tairāwhiti

Having played an important part in the establishment of the Trust in 1993, Mr Clarke said he felt it a privilege to now have the...

Industry, Business & Employment

Trust Tairāwhiti Economic Development Focus

The release of Trust Tairawhiti's strategic plan, Te Aka Rautaki Ki Te Tau 2026, will provide a strategic focus on economic development, the man leading the region's economic development agency says.

Richard Searle, the trust's general manager economic development, says that focus will be to work with Tairawhiti businesses and industry to support an innovative, inclusive,...

Tairāwhiti Wellbeing

He Tohu Ora well received at New Zealand Impact Assessment Conference

Erina Hurihanganui and Malcolm Mersham from our Wellbeing and Impact team presented at the annual NZAIA (New Zealand Association of Impact Assessment) conference in Christchurch recently where they received excellent feedback on He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora – the wellbeing framework.

“It was great to share what we are doing at the Trust with an audience of interested parties and it affirmed the value of the...

Regional Tourism

Bumper summer season in Tairāwhiti

Tairāwhiti had an excellent summer season as Kiwis unable to travel abroad explored their own backyard.

Tourism activity in the area was unchanged in the 2020 year, making Tairāwhiti the second-best performing region after Northland with a total spend of $94 million.

Industry, Business & Employment

Trust Tairāwhiti backs new film and television studio Rāngai

From 3 June 2021

The finishing touches are being put on a new film and television studio Rāngai, as it prepares for its first intake of students in July.

Community Initiatives

Trust Tairāwhiti backs new film and television studio Rāngai

The finishing touches are being put on a new film and television studio Rāngai, as it prepares for its first intake of students in July.

The studio will operate as a self-sustaining, semi commercial model and be used as a training facility for EIT students enrolled in the NZ Certificate...

Industry, Business & Employment

Westpac Tairāwhiti Business Excellence Awards 2021 - Finalists & Presentation and Dinner

After a full and robust judging day, the judges are pleased to announce the finalists of this year’s Westpac Tairāwhiti Business Excellence Awards 2021.

Community Initiatives

May Distributions

Ngati Porou East Coast Rugby was the winner on the day in the latest funding announcement by Trust Tairāwhiti with a decision to underwrite $50,000 towards a series of sporting events to be delivered by the Ngati Porou East Coast Rugby Union.

Ngati Porou East Coast Rugby Union (NPECRU), a constituent of the New Zealand Rugby Union, will bring three significant sporting events to te Tairāwhiti.

Industry, Business & Employment

Game of Life

Trust Tairāwhiti was one of the key players in the successful launch of a new careers event connecting local employers with students.

Community Initiatives

Waka Kura

Trust Tairāwhiti enables the delivery of waka ama school programme.

Tairāwhiti turned on a perfect day for the interschool finals of Mareikura Waka Ama Club’s Kura Waka – a programme for rangatahi aged 8-12.

Community Initiatives

East Coast rangatahi benefit from latest funding distribution

East Coast youth will reap the rewards of the latest funding decisions by Trust Tairāwhiti with Rua Bioscience receiving $50,000.

Trust Tairāwhiti trustee Kristen Kohere-Soutar said the Trust was pleased to approve the Rua Bioscience grant which would lead to improved employment opportunities for youth...

Industry, Business & Employment

TORO Studios to open in Gisborne

Trust Tairawhiti is investing in the region’s digital sector backing TORO Studios which will specialise in digital production services from its Tairawhiti base.

The region’s economic development agency has approved a loan to get the venture up and running showing its commitment to growing the region’s digital and...

Industry, Business & Employment

Focus on Employment

Trust Tairāwhiti welcomed Alex Hawea into the new role of Senior Employment Coordinator at the end of 2020.

Alex hails from Tairāwhiti and is of Te Whānau a Kai and Ngāti Oneone descent.

Community Initiatives

Trust Tairāwhiti approves more than $600,000 in community funding

Trust Tairāwhiti has approved funding totalling $605,105 in the latest funding decisions of 2021 with distributions aligning with He Rangitapu, He Tohu Ora, the Trust’s regional wellbeing framework.

Recipients of the Tairāwhiti wellbeing investments included Te Runanga o Turanganui a Kiwa $180,000; Surf Lifesaving New Zealand Incorporated $153,852; Huringa Pai Charitable Trust $89,000;...

Community Initiatives

Pa Wars strengthens whanaungatanga and healthy lifestyles

While the emphasis is on participation, there’s no denying the competition was fierce at Pa Wars 2021. The Ngati Porou inter-marae sports festival was bigger and better than ever this year, with 22 marae taking part in 33 events

On January 3rd, participants gathered at Ngata College in Ruatoria to take part in a range of events that tested everything from strength and speed...

Industry, Business & Employment

Greenhouse gas emissions and wood processing

A Scion report indicates wood processing in Tairāwhiti could more than half greenhouse gas emissions.

Wood processing in Tairāwhiti instead of China could more than half greenhouse gas emissions, reveals a ground-breaking Scion report.

Future Generations

Airport terminal opening

Gisborne’s iconic new airport terminal was officially opened on November 4, with several hundred people turning out to celebrate.

Guests included Iwi and hapū from across Tairāwhiti, the Mayor and councillors, the Hon Kiri Allan and the Hon Meka Whaitiri, Air New Zealand chief...

Community Initiatives

SuperGrans Tairāwhiti Trust

SuperGrans Tairāwhiti is a not-for-profit organisation that is positively impacting our region.

The Trust Tairāwhiti distribution of $717,195 goes towards two community kitchens adding value to rescued kai and providing a place for people to learn how...

Community Initiatives

Mātai

Mātai is a not-for-profit research centre based in Tairāwhiti Gisborne, focused on enhancing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

The research will advance our understanding of the brain, heart, and body to deliver health, social, and economic benefits regionally and globally.A core focus will...

Community Initiatives

Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival

Trust Tairāwhiti is proud to have supported Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival 2020.

The festival ran across an epic ten days of large and small events, indoor and outdoor, free and ticketed.

Future Generations

Eastland Group and Trust Tairāwhiti take action on climate change

In July 2019 Eastland Group and Trust Tairāwhiti joined the Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) and now have in place a means for collecting data to measure their greenhouse gas emissions.

The Trust and Eastland Group have set a bold target to reduce emissions from all businesses and operations by 21 percent by 2025-(Eastland Generation aim...

Industry, Business & Employment

Business support – Regional Business Partners

2020 has been a challenging time for many of our local businesses. However, Trust Tairāwhiti and the local Regional Business Partners (RBP) team are enormously proud of how small and medium businesses in Tairāwhiti have looked to adapt and innovate during this time.

The RBP Network is funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and delivered by Trust Tairāwhiti.The team’s Business Growth Advisors pictured above,...

Community Initiatives

What Now TV Tumeke Talent Tairāwhiti!

WHAT NOW TV final was live in Tokomaru Bay!
Congratulations to the Tumeke Talent winner, Manaia Garrett!

What Now’s Tumeke Talent was the singing competition that showcased the mīharo voices of the tamariki of Tairāwhiti!It kicked off on Sunday September 13 and...

Organisation

Ecobulb LED Lightbulbs Notice

Kia Ora whānau!

Anyone who missed out on their Ecobulbs can go to collect up to five from the Tairāwhiti Environment Centre between 9am-3pm at 386 Palmerston road while stocks last.

Some community groups will still be distributing leftover bulbs over the next few weeks, however, all of the bayonet and other more popular bulbs ran...

Organisation

FREE Ecobulb LED Lightbulbs

Each household in Tairāwhiti could save up to $130 a year with these new Tūrama mai LED Ecobulb Lightbulbs!

Organisation

Te Tairāwhiti Region's Economic Recovery - How can we bounce back better?

We went live to our Facebook page on June 11 to discuss Tairāwhiti region’s economic recovery and we wanted to answer the few remaining questions!

Brad Olsen from Infometrics led the discussion with panellists - Amohaere Houkamau (Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust), Paul Naske (Gisborne Chamber of Commerce) and Gavin Murphy (Trust Tairāwhiti).

Organisation

He Tohu Ora Regional Wellbeing Update

He Tohu Ora Regional Wellbeing is at the heart of our work and we are acutely aware that the overall wellbeing of many people, whanau, communities and businesses are in variable states of flux as we start to fully realise the impacts of Covid19 for our region.

In the last half of 2019 we asked our communities a simple question - what matters to you? We received thousands of insights from a...

Organisation

CEO Update May

Yesterday, the Prime Minster announced a move to Alert Level 2, beginning 11:59pm tomorrow (Wednesday, 13 May).

The government continues to give the message that this is about getting the economy back up and running, but we must all ‘play it safe’. The great news is we’ll be able to see friends, shop with local retailers, and have a meal out at your favorite local restaurant again!

Trust Tairāwhiti has surveyed and spoken with over 350 businesses and community groups since Level 4 restrictions commenced.

Industry, Business & Employment

Supporting Local Businesses - Regional Business Partners

May 12, 2020
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So far, the Takihoko Business team has matched 90 businesses in our region and have allocated Regional Business Programme vouchers for advice in the areas of Cashflow, Business Continuity, Health and Wellness, HR/ER, Digital Enablement Strategy and Marketing Strategy.

84% of funding through RBP vouchers has gone to local service providers such as BDO, HPY, Dragnett, The Big White Shirt, Futureproof Sites and People Plus.

Regional Tourism

Let's Shop Tairāwhiti Facebook Page

The Let's Shop Tairāwhiti Facebook Page that's encouraging our region to shop local!

The Let’s Shop Tairāwhiti Facebook page reached 3,000 followers on Thursday, and climbing.

Regional Tourism

TT collaboration with the Gisborne Herald

To profile businesses for our Let's Shop Tairāwhiti "Shop Local" page, we've teamed up with the Gisborne Herald!

As of Thursday, the Let’s Shop Tairāwhiti Facebook page reached a following of over 3,000 people.

Organisation

United efforts to help Tairāwhiti recover

Tairāwhiti community leaders are uniting in their efforts to ensure the region has the best possible chance of a strong economic recovery post COVID-19.

Leading the charge is Tairāwhiti Rau Tipu Rau Ora – the Regional Recovery Governance Group, comprising Gisborne District Council’s mayor alongside chairs from Te Runanganui...

Organisation

May Meeting

Our regular monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, 5 May at 9:00am.

As always, members of the public are welcome to join. If you would like to join us, please register in advance for this meeting by...

Organisation

May Trust Meeting

Our regular monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, 5 May at 9:00am.

As always, members of the public are welcome to join. If you would like to join us, please register in advance for this meeting by...

Regional Tourism

Tourism Industry Specific Information

The following links bring together Tourism industry information relating to COVID-19, how it may affect tourism, and how you can stay up to date as new information becomes available.

https://hospitality.org.nz/coronavirus-updates

Industry, Business & Employment

Government Information for Businesses

The following links bring together government information relating to COVID-19, how it may affect your business and how you can stay up to date as new information becomes available.

Tātau Tātau

Organisation

COVID-19 CEO Update

During this uncertain period, Trust Tairāwhiti stands together with our communities and the organisations and people who serve them.

Our top priorities are the health and wellbeing of our team and whānau, the organisations we work with, and the communities Trust Tairāwhiti serve throughout...

Organisation

Interim Cyclone business support to be locally led

26 February 2023
- From the offices of Hon Grant Robertson and Hon Kiri Allan

Organisation

Tairāwhiti funding confirmed for business support grants

Trust Tairāwhiti has welcomed the Government’s funding announcement today to help businesses following the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.

The Government is providing $25 million in grants to help businesses in cyclone-affected regions across Aotearoa to get back on their feet.

Organisation

Cyclone Gabrielle Business Update #1

20 February 2023

Location: Trust Tairāwhiti - Ground floor, 50 The Esplanade, Shed 3, Inner HarbourOpen hours: 8am to 5pm every dayBusinesses are welcome to come in and...

Organisation

Annual report, financial statements and statement of intent now available

The Trust’s Annual Report 2022 is now available.

The report, which provides an overview of our activities for the 2021/2022 financial year, is available here, along with detailed financial statements here.

Organisation

Livestream event for Tairāwhiti Techweek

A livestream event showcasing tech creativity, innovation and opportunities in Tairāwhiti will be held as part of the nationwide Techweek later this month.

Delivered by Trust Tairāwhiti, the event will be broadcast over one-day from Rāngai Studios with co-hosts Mātai Smith and Rāhia Timutimu leading presentations and engaging...

Organisation

April distributions

Seven local community groups will benefit from grants totalling $59,500 in the latest funding round from Trust Tairāwhiti.

The projects and initiatives all demonstrated strong alignments with the Trust’s wellbeing framework, He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora, and applicants will capture data to report...

Organisation

Christmas events cancelled due to COVID-19

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise around the country, a decision has been made to cancel the inaugural Kirihimete in the Park event and Santa’s Grotto in the CBD.

Trust Tairāwhiti planned to hold the event as an alternative to the Christmas Parade, while the Santa’s Grotto at Treble Court has been a family...

Organisation

Important COVID-19 announcement

Two wastewater samples in Tairāwhiti have tested positive for COVID-19. There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tairāwhiti at this time.

We encourage anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms and who has had any out of district exposure (e.g.

Organisation

Vaccinations in the workplace made easy

Tairāwhiti businesses and employers can play their part in the national vaccination campaign by making it easy for staff to be well-informed and fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Turanga Health is available to help any local business through the process by providing accurate vaccine information to employees and bringing their mobile vaccine clinic into workplaces.

As well as running the vaccination drive-thru at Harry Barker Reserve and pop-up clinics in suburbs around the rohe, the Turanga Health team has had...

Organisation

New Eastland Group board appointments

Two new directors have been appointed to the Eastland Group board.
Company shareholder Trust Tairāwhiti appointed Hamish Bell and Debbie Birch to the board of the Gisborne-based infrastructure, logistics and energy company.

“On behalf of the trustees, I’m pleased to welcome Debbie and Hamish to the Eastland Board group,” said Trust Tairāwhiti chair John Clarke.

Organisation

COVID-19 Alert Level 4

The Government's decision to move all of New Zealand into COVID-19 Alert Level 4 at midnight 17 August 2021 was rapid but not unexpected given we are facing community transmission of the Delta strain.

Alert Level 4 means:

Organisation

Annual Report 2021

Trust Tairāwhiti has released its Annual Report 2021, providing a comprehensive overview of its community investments, regional economic development, and wellbeing focus.

Over the 2020-21 financial year, the Trust distributed $2.3 million for projects benefitting the people of Tairāwhiti.

Organisation

Trust Tairāwhiti appoints John Clarke as Chair

Trust Tairāwhiti announced today that experienced trustee and former Mayor of Gisborne John Clarke has been appointed new Chair of Trust Tairāwhiti

Having played an important part in the establishment of the Trust in 1993, Mr Clarke said he felt it a privilege to now have the...

Organisation

Ecobulb LED Lightbulbs Notice

Kia Ora whānau!

Anyone who missed out on their Ecobulbs can go to collect up to five from the Tairāwhiti Environment Centre between 9am-3pm at 386 Palmerston road while stocks last.

Some community groups will still be distributing leftover bulbs over the next few weeks, however, all of the bayonet and other more popular bulbs ran...

Organisation

FREE Ecobulb LED Lightbulbs

Each household in Tairāwhiti could save up to $130 a year with these new Tūrama mai LED Ecobulb Lightbulbs!

Organisation

Te Tairāwhiti Region's Economic Recovery - How can we bounce back better?

We went live to our Facebook page on June 11 to discuss Tairāwhiti region’s economic recovery and we wanted to answer the few remaining questions!

Brad Olsen from Infometrics led the discussion with panellists - Amohaere Houkamau (Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust), Paul Naske (Gisborne Chamber of Commerce) and Gavin Murphy (Trust Tairāwhiti).

Organisation

He Tohu Ora Regional Wellbeing Update

He Tohu Ora Regional Wellbeing is at the heart of our work and we are acutely aware that the overall wellbeing of many people, whanau, communities and businesses are in variable states of flux as we start to fully realise the impacts of Covid19 for our region.

In the last half of 2019 we asked our communities a simple question - what matters to you? We received thousands of insights from a...

Organisation

CEO Update May

Yesterday, the Prime Minster announced a move to Alert Level 2, beginning 11:59pm tomorrow (Wednesday, 13 May).

The government continues to give the message that this is about getting the economy back up and running, but we must all ‘play it safe’. The great news is we’ll be able to see friends, shop with local retailers, and have a meal out at your favorite local restaurant again!

Trust Tairāwhiti has surveyed and spoken with over 350 businesses and community groups since Level 4 restrictions commenced.

Organisation

United efforts to help Tairāwhiti recover

Tairāwhiti community leaders are uniting in their efforts to ensure the region has the best possible chance of a strong economic recovery post COVID-19.

Leading the charge is Tairāwhiti Rau Tipu Rau Ora – the Regional Recovery Governance Group, comprising Gisborne District Council’s mayor alongside chairs from Te Runanganui...

Organisation

May Meeting

Our regular monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, 5 May at 9:00am.

As always, members of the public are welcome to join. If you would like to join us, please register in advance for this meeting by...

Organisation

May Trust Meeting

Our regular monthly meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, 5 May at 9:00am.

As always, members of the public are welcome to join. If you would like to join us, please register in advance for this meeting by...

Organisation

COVID-19 CEO Update

During this uncertain period, Trust Tairāwhiti stands together with our communities and the organisations and people who serve them.

Our top priorities are the health and wellbeing of our team and whānau, the organisations we work with, and the communities Trust Tairāwhiti serve throughout...

Community Initiatives

May distributions 2023

The Motu Trails Charitable Trust will receive $90,000 from Trust Tairāwhiti over three years to boost their marketing and promotions to attract more visitors to the region.

It was one of eleven applications approved in the Trust’s latest funding round, totalling $179,556.

Community Initiatives

April distributions

Four community groups were supported with grants totalling $178,000 in the latest distribution round from Trust Tairāwhiti.

Hikurangi Enterprises Limited, a not-for-profit whānau housing initiative, was approved $113,000 to go towards lease costs, enabling them to extend their existing site and increase...

Community Initiatives

Warmer Kiwi Homes programme

Grants for home heating and insulation are available for eligible homeowners in the Tairāwhiti region.

Warmer Kiwi Homes is a Government programme offering grants that cover up to 80 percent of insulation and heater costs for eligible low-income homeowners.

Community Initiatives

Quick-turnaround community grants

In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, 49 community groups in Tairāwhiti were supported with quick-turnaround grants to help their recovery efforts.

The Trust Tairāwhiti board met shortly after the cyclone and agreed to make $372,502

Community Initiatives

December distributions

Over $530,000 was awarded to 12 community groups and initiatives in the final funding round for the year from Trust Tairāwhiti.

The largest distribution of $280,000 was approved for Gisborne City Vintage Rail (GCVR) to contribute to repair work on seven rail bridges used by the...

Community Initiatives

Seven community groups supported in Trust’s November funding round

Trust Tairāwhiti will fund $350,000 this year towards the Eastland Rescue Helicopter Trust’s (EHRT) life-saving services for the region.

This follows the Trust’s previous funding of $350,000 a year since 2017 to support EHRT operations, enabling them to invest in leading technology and equipment that has continually improved their service across Tairāwhiti.

In the year ending March 2022, the Trust Tairawhiti Rescue Helicopter flew 234 missions, with 60 percent of call-outs to remote locations north of Tolaga Bay.

Community Initiatives

September distributions

Trust Tairāwhiti will fund $343,000 towards cultural components around the 1000-year bridge and Te Maro viewing platform.

This follows a joint application from Gisborne District Council, Ngāti Oneone and the Department of Conservation for funding to complete the final cultural heritage features...

Community Initiatives

Rua Bioscience

Rua Bioscience is inspiring the next generation of East Coast scientists, researchers, communicators and entrepreneurs through its internship and scholarship programmes.

Chief executive Rob Mitchell says the company seeks out extraordinary people who embody their kaupapa and relish the idea of sharing their expertise.

Community Initiatives

Hospice Tairawhiti

Hospice Tairawhiti staff, patients and volunteers, are enjoying a far broader and more comfortable range of services since the opening of the new day services and administration building last year.

It was a huge effort from all to raise the $3.2m required for the project, with the money coming from grants, donations and plenty of fundraising.

Community Initiatives

Gizzy Kai Rescue

It’s impressive when you crunch the numbers on the efforts of Gizzy Kai Rescue (GKR) but dig a little deeper to discover they have offset 137,939kgs of CO2 for the region, and their impact really comes home.

In the year to December 2021, the not-for-profit food rescue organisation collected 77,156kgs of food – with a retail value of $571,953 – that otherwise...

Community Initiatives

Trust Tairawhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter

When the weather is at its worst, it’s likely the Eastland Helicopter Rescue crew will get the call-up to help, but it is thanks to Trust Tairawhiti support over the last five years, that the region has this valuable service.

Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust (EHRT) chair Patrick Willock says they simply couldn’t operate without that financial help.

Community Initiatives

Motu Taonga Tuatara Project

An ancient line of living fossils will be able to continue thanks to the work of ecologist Steve Sawyer and the Whinray Ecological Charitable Trust.

The Rhynchocephalian reptile – a spiritual tuatara species associated with myths and legends – has been around for more than 250 million years.

Community Initiatives

Six community organisations supported with over $200,000 in funds from Trust Tairāwhiti

An initiative to provide surfing programmes in East Coast townships was one of the major recipients in the latest funding round from Trust Tairāwhiti.

Gisborne Boardriders Club was granted $120,000 towards their Surf for Life East Coast project, which will see containers being installed at Tokomaru Bay, Waipiro Bay...

Community Initiatives

November distributions

A not-for-profit, whānau housing initiative by Hikurangi Enterprises was the biggest recipient in the latest Trust Tairāwhiti funding round.

Hikurangi Enterprises was granted $63,000 towards the lease of a new site for their Whare Ora Build project, which will provide locally built, healthy and...

Community Initiatives

October distributions

Over $120,000 was awarded to a diverse range of community projects and events in the latest funding round from Trust Tairāwhiti.
The recipients demonstrated strong alignments with muka (outcomes) of He Rangitapu He Tohu Ora, the Trust’s wellbeing framework and are enthusiastic to see outcomes come to fruition.

Motu Trails Charitable Trust was one of the biggest recipients, receiving $30,000 towards the operational costs of the trails between Tairāwhiti and Ōpōtiki, including development,...

Community Initiatives

Funding confirmed for community facilities

Trust Tairāwhiti will fund up to $15 million towards ‘early win’ sports facility projects, including waka storage facilities at Anzac and Marina Parks and the skatepark redevelopment.

Chair John Clarke announced the funding at the Trust’s 2021 Annual General Meeting held at Gisborne Airport.

Community Initiatives

July distributions

Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti (SGT) was one of the major recipients in the latest Trust Tairāwhiti funding announcement, with $75,000 going towards a shared services pilot programme for up to 10 sporting codes and charitable groups in the region.

SGT is developing a shared services hub to support the not-for-profit sector in providing quality, consistent delivery into the future.

Community Initiatives

Trust Tairāwhiti backs new film and television studio Rāngai

The finishing touches are being put on a new film and television studio Rāngai, as it prepares for its first intake of students in July.

The studio will operate as a self-sustaining, semi commercial model and be used as a training facility for EIT students enrolled in the NZ Certificate...

Community Initiatives

May Distributions

Ngati Porou East Coast Rugby was the winner on the day in the latest funding announcement by Trust Tairāwhiti with a decision to underwrite $50,000 towards a series of sporting events to be delivered by the Ngati Porou East Coast Rugby Union.

Ngati Porou East Coast Rugby Union (NPECRU), a constituent of the New Zealand Rugby Union, will bring three significant sporting events to te Tairāwhiti.

Community Initiatives

Waka Kura

Trust Tairāwhiti enables the delivery of waka ama school programme.

Tairāwhiti turned on a perfect day for the interschool finals of Mareikura Waka Ama Club’s Kura Waka – a programme for rangatahi aged 8-12.

Community Initiatives

East Coast rangatahi benefit from latest funding distribution

East Coast youth will reap the rewards of the latest funding decisions by Trust Tairāwhiti with Rua Bioscience receiving $50,000.

Trust Tairāwhiti trustee Kristen Kohere-Soutar said the Trust was pleased to approve the Rua Bioscience grant which would lead to improved employment opportunities for youth...

Community Initiatives

Trust Tairāwhiti approves more than $600,000 in community funding

Trust Tairāwhiti has approved funding totalling $605,105 in the latest funding decisions of 2021 with distributions aligning with He Rangitapu, He Tohu Ora, the Trust’s regional wellbeing framework.

Recipients of the Tairāwhiti wellbeing investments included Te Runanga o Turanganui a Kiwa $180,000; Surf Lifesaving New Zealand Incorporated $153,852; Huringa Pai Charitable Trust $89,000;...

Community Initiatives

Pa Wars strengthens whanaungatanga and healthy lifestyles

While the emphasis is on participation, there’s no denying the competition was fierce at Pa Wars 2021. The Ngati Porou inter-marae sports festival was bigger and better than ever this year, with 22 marae taking part in 33 events

On January 3rd, participants gathered at Ngata College in Ruatoria to take part in a range of events that tested everything from strength and speed...

Community Initiatives

SuperGrans Tairāwhiti Trust

SuperGrans Tairāwhiti is a not-for-profit organisation that is positively impacting our region.

The Trust Tairāwhiti distribution of $717,195 goes towards two community kitchens adding value to rescued kai and providing a place for people to learn how...

Community Initiatives

Mātai

Mātai is a not-for-profit research centre based in Tairāwhiti Gisborne, focused on enhancing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

The research will advance our understanding of the brain, heart, and body to deliver health, social, and economic benefits regionally and globally.A core focus will...

Community Initiatives

Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival

Trust Tairāwhiti is proud to have supported Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival 2020.

The festival ran across an epic ten days of large and small events, indoor and outdoor, free and ticketed.

Community Initiatives

What Now TV Tumeke Talent Tairāwhiti!

WHAT NOW TV final was live in Tokomaru Bay!
Congratulations to the Tumeke Talent winner, Manaia Garrett!

What Now’s Tumeke Talent was the singing competition that showcased the mīharo voices of the tamariki of Tairāwhiti!It kicked off on Sunday September 13 and...

Future Generations

Community facilities: Skate Park and Pump Track

The new Skate Park and Pump Track is attracting hundreds of visitors of all ages every week, who are making the most of the world-class facilities right here in Tairāwhiti.

The collective that fundraised and project managed both facilities, Tairāwhiti Adventure Trust (TAT), has a mission for young people to achieve their potential through action...

Future Generations

Climate leadership

Climate leadership is identified as a key commitment in the Trust’s strategic plan, Te aka rautaki ki te tau 2026 and over the year, we have built climate considerations into all funding and decision-making processes.

This focus has flowed through the Trust’s role as the Economic Development Agency (EDA).

Future Generations

Free Climate Action Workshop for Tairāwhiti businesses

Local businesses looking to reduce their climate footprint are invited to attend a free online Climate Action Workshop next week.

Trust Tairāwhiti is partnering with the Sustainable Business Network to host the workshop, which will cover how to use the recently developed Climate Action Toolbox.

Future Generations

Registrations open for native forest regeneration event

Recloaking the Whenua is an online event focusing on permanent native forest regeneration across Tairāwhiti.

The aim of the event is to share information about opportunities for converting land to indigenous regeneration, as well as risks to farming and forestry...

Future Generations

Airport terminal opening

Gisborne’s iconic new airport terminal was officially opened on November 4, with several hundred people turning out to celebrate.

Guests included Iwi and hapū from across Tairāwhiti, the Mayor and councillors, the Hon Kiri Allan and the Hon Meka Whaitiri, Air New Zealand chief...

Future Generations

Eastland Group and Trust Tairāwhiti take action on climate change

In July 2019 Eastland Group and Trust Tairāwhiti joined the Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) and now have in place a means for collecting data to measure their greenhouse gas emissions.

The Trust and Eastland Group have set a bold target to reduce emissions from all businesses and operations by 21 percent by 2025-(Eastland Generation aim...

Industry, Business & Employment

Quarterly Economic Monitor – March 2023

Cyclone Gabrielle heavily disrupted the Tairāwhiti economy over the first quarter of 2023 and while this hampered usual economic activity levels, various indicators highlight the remarkable momentum the region has been able to maintain.

Data from the latest Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor shows Tairāwhiti saw a fall in economic activity, mainly due to periods of digital and physical isolation.

Industry, Business & Employment

Strong uptake of Digital Boost platform

Trust Tairāwhiti has been partnering with the Ministry of Businesses, Innovation and Employment and local organisations, Ask Alice, Tai Tech and Tolaga Bay Innovation to provide digital skills workshops for small businesses across the rohe.

Each organisation delivered a programme of workshops over the last few months to build digital capability and introduce digital tools into businesses.

Industry, Business & Employment

September Quarterly Economic Monitor

The Tairāwhiti economy remains ‘constrained’ due to a range of challenging conditions, according to the latest Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor.

Provisional estimates show a 1.4 percent fall for the September 2022 quarter compared to last year, while on an annual basis economic activity slowed by...

Industry, Business & Employment

Increase your business's research and development capability with student grants.

Local businesses can now apply for Callaghan Innovation Student Research and Development Grants.

The grants are designed to help businesses access fresh talent through providing student internships.

Industry, Business & Employment

Workforce development: Building careers

Supporting quality, well-paid employment options. Trust Tairāwhiti is one of several local agencies working together to address the region’s workforce and skills challenges.

Our workforce development advisors work with local employers, schools and training providers to boost the regional workforce and support quality, well-paid job creation.

Industry, Business & Employment

Business support: Wisewool

The Trust’s business growth team supports small to medium businesses to achieve their potential, offering a range of services tailored to individual business needs.

Gisborne company Wisewool is using agritech innovation to revitalise a fifth-generation family business and bring stronger returns to local farmers.

Industry, Business & Employment

Flood support and advice for businesses

We understand businesses have been impacted by the recent weather events and there is widespread damage, logistical challenges and financial implications for many.

The wellbeing of our communities and businesses is a Trust priority, and our business advisors are available to provide advice and support wherever possible to...

Industry, Business & Employment

Youthtown takes over Licence to Work Programme

As the Licence to Work (LTW) youth employability programme enters its sixth year in Tairāwhiti, not-for-profit organisation Youthtown will take over the programme from Trust Tairāwhiti.

LTW is a cross sector, business-led initiative designed to respond to business and industry concerns that young people may not be developing the employability skills...

Industry, Business & Employment

Impacts of permanent carbon farming in Tairāwhiti

A report on the impacts of permanent carbon farming in Tairāwhiti highlights the long-term challenges it may pose for the region, including the potential for significant job losses.
Trust Tairāwhiti commissioned the report following requests from farming, forestry and environmental sector representatives who were concerned about the regional implications of carbon farming.

While the report does not reflect a regional position, the intent was to better understand the impacts of carbon farming and encourage ongoing conversations about...

Industry, Business & Employment

Businesses more resilient in lockdown

Local businesses are less concerned about the current lockdown compared to last year’s, according to the results of a Trust Tairāwhiti business survey.

Industry, Business & Employment

Local businesses encouraged to complete lockdown survey

Trust Tairāwhiti has launched an online survey to capture the impacts this current lockdown is having on local business owners and operators.

Accessible through the Trust website, the short survey asks questions around the areas of business affected by lockdown, types of support that would be...

Industry, Business & Employment

COVID-19 Business Support

The Government roll out of business support is well underway for those affected by the current COVID-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown, and new information is being released regularly.

In this update you will find access to the most up-to-date business support information, as well as links to apply for the Resurgence Support Payment...

Industry, Business & Employment

Trust Tairāwhiti Economic Development Focus

The release of Trust Tairawhiti's strategic plan, Te Aka Rautaki Ki Te Tau 2026, will provide a strategic focus on economic development, the man leading the region's economic development agency says.

Richard Searle, the trust's general manager economic development, says that focus will be to work with Tairawhiti businesses and industry to support an innovative, inclusive,...

Industry, Business & Employment

Trust Tairāwhiti backs new film and television studio Rāngai

From 3 June 2021

The finishing touches are being put on a new film and television studio Rāngai, as it prepares for its first intake of students in July.

Industry, Business & Employment

Westpac Tairāwhiti Business Excellence Awards 2021 - Finalists & Presentation and Dinner

After a full and robust judging day, the judges are pleased to announce the finalists of this year’s Westpac Tairāwhiti Business Excellence Awards 2021.

Industry, Business & Employment

Game of Life

Trust Tairāwhiti was one of the key players in the successful launch of a new careers event connecting local employers with students.

Industry, Business & Employment

TORO Studios to open in Gisborne

Trust Tairawhiti is investing in the region’s digital sector backing TORO Studios which will specialise in digital production services from its Tairawhiti base.

The region’s economic development agency has approved a loan to get the venture up and running showing its commitment to growing the region’s digital and...

Industry, Business & Employment

Focus on Employment

Trust Tairāwhiti welcomed Alex Hawea into the new role of Senior Employment Coordinator at the end of 2020.

Alex hails from Tairāwhiti and is of Te Whānau a Kai and Ngāti Oneone descent.

Industry, Business & Employment

Greenhouse gas emissions and wood processing

A Scion report indicates wood processing in Tairāwhiti could more than half greenhouse gas emissions.

Wood processing in Tairāwhiti instead of China could more than half greenhouse gas emissions, reveals a ground-breaking Scion report.

Industry, Business & Employment

Business support – Regional Business Partners

2020 has been a challenging time for many of our local businesses. However, Trust Tairāwhiti and the local Regional Business Partners (RBP) team are enormously proud of how small and medium businesses in Tairāwhiti have looked to adapt and innovate during this time.

The RBP Network is funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and delivered by Trust Tairāwhiti.The team’s Business Growth Advisors pictured above,...

Industry, Business & Employment

Supporting Local Businesses - Regional Business Partners

May 12, 2020
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So far, the Takihoko Business team has matched 90 businesses in our region and have allocated Regional Business Programme vouchers for advice in the areas of Cashflow, Business Continuity, Health and Wellness, HR/ER, Digital Enablement Strategy and Marketing Strategy.

84% of funding through RBP vouchers has gone to local service providers such as BDO, HPY, Dragnett, The Big White Shirt, Futureproof Sites and People Plus.

Industry, Business & Employment

Government Information for Businesses

The following links bring together government information relating to COVID-19, how it may affect your business and how you can stay up to date as new information becomes available.

Tātau Tātau

Regional Tourism

Cruise season returns to Tairāwhiti

Tairāwhiti will welcome its first cruise passengers for nearly three years, with the cruise season officially kicking off this month.

The Heritage Adventure carrying 140 passengers is the first to arrive on 16 November, followed by the Westerdam with more than 1900 passengers.

Regional Tourism

Have your say on the future of Tairāwhiti tourism

The people of Tairāwhiti are invited to have their say on the future of tourism and the visitor economy in this region.

As the Regional Tourism Organisation, Trust Tairāwhiti is engaging with stakeholders and the wider community to develop its Destination Management Plan (DMP).

Regional Tourism

Rebuilding tourism under the Covid Protection Framework

East Coast MP and cabinet minister Kiri Allan met with local tourism operators last week to discuss doing business under the new COVID-19 Protection Framework.

Organised by the Trust Tairāwhiti tourism team, the hui held at Dive Tatapouri was an opportunity for the industry to better understand the rationale behind...

Regional Tourism

Essential Worker Vaccinations and Financial Support

Today’s announcement of the nationwide countrywide lockdown extension is part of the ongoing COVID-19 rollercoaster. We are looking forward to the Monday announcement, where hopefully we will start to see positive news.

In the meantime, Tūranga Health has opened a vaccination centre, especially for frontline workers.

Regional Tourism

Bumper summer season in Tairāwhiti

Tairāwhiti had an excellent summer season as Kiwis unable to travel abroad explored their own backyard.

Tourism activity in the area was unchanged in the 2020 year, making Tairāwhiti the second-best performing region after Northland with a total spend of $94 million.

Regional Tourism

Let's Shop Tairāwhiti Facebook Page

The Let's Shop Tairāwhiti Facebook Page that's encouraging our region to shop local!

The Let’s Shop Tairāwhiti Facebook page reached 3,000 followers on Thursday, and climbing.

Regional Tourism

TT collaboration with the Gisborne Herald

To profile businesses for our Let's Shop Tairāwhiti "Shop Local" page, we've teamed up with the Gisborne Herald!

As of Thursday, the Let’s Shop Tairāwhiti Facebook page reached a following of over 3,000 people.

Regional Tourism

Tourism Industry Specific Information

The following links bring together Tourism industry information relating to COVID-19, how it may affect tourism, and how you can stay up to date as new information becomes available.

https://hospitality.org.nz/coronavirus-updates

News

Quarterly Economic Monitor – March 2023

Cyclone Gabrielle heavily disrupted the Tairāwhiti economy over the first quarter of 2023 and while this hampered usual economic activity levels, various indicators highlight the remarkable momentum the region has been able to maintain.

May distributions 2023

The Motu Trails Charitable Trust will receive $90,000 from Trust Tairāwhiti over three years to boost their marketing and promotions to attract more visitors to the region.

Govt approves extra $25 million extension for cyclone-affected businesses

18 April 2023 - From the office of Hon Grant Robertson

April distributions

Four community groups were supported with grants totalling $178,000 in the latest distribution round from Trust Tairāwhiti.

Warmer Kiwi Homes programme

Grants for home heating and insulation are available for eligible homeowners in the Tairāwhiti region.

Quick-turnaround community grants

In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, 49 community groups in Tairāwhiti were supported with quick-turnaround grants to help their recovery efforts.

Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey data now online

The first tranche of insights and data tables from the Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey (TWS) are now available online.

Govt approves $25 million extension for cyclone-affected businesses

15 March 2023 - From the office of Hon Grant Robertson

Applications open for business support grants

Tairāwhiti businesses can now apply for a business support grant of up to $40,000 to support their recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle.

Interim Cyclone business support to be locally led

26 February 2023 - From the offices of Hon Grant Robertson and Hon Kiri Allan

Tairāwhiti funding confirmed for business support grants

Trust Tairāwhiti has welcomed the Government’s funding announcement today to help businesses following the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Cyclone Gabrielle Business Update #1

20 February 2023

December distributions

Over $530,000 was awarded to 12 community groups and initiatives in the final funding round for the year from Trust Tairāwhiti.

Final call for the Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey

There is just one week left to complete the Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey (TWS) and ensure your voice is captured within this regional data. More than 800 people have already done the survey, with solid participation right across rohe from Motu to Muriwai to Wharekahika.

Strong uptake of Digital Boost platform

Trust Tairāwhiti has been partnering with the Ministry of Businesses, Innovation and Employment and local organisations, Ask Alice, Tai Tech and Tolaga Bay Innovation to provide digital skills workshops for small businesses across the rohe.

September Quarterly Economic Monitor

The Tairāwhiti economy remains ‘constrained’ due to a range of challenging conditions, according to the latest Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor.

Eastland Group and shareholder Trust Tairāwhiti announce sale of Eastland Network to Firstgas Group, owned by Igneo Infrastructure Partners, for $260 million

Seven community groups supported in Trust’s November funding round

Cruise season returns to Tairāwhiti

Tairāwhiti will welcome its first cruise passengers for nearly three years, with the cruise season officially kicking off this month.

Special meeting of Trust Tairāwhiti

Beneficiaries are welcome to address Trustees at a special meeting of Trust Tairāwhiti on 18 November, as they consider all community feedback around the proposed sale of Eastland Network.

Gisborne and Patutahi community engagement hui

Trust Tairāwhiti and Eastland Group will hold Gisborne and Patutahi community engagement hui next week about the proposed sale of Eastland Network.

Have your say in the Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey

The community is invited to take part in the first ever Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey (TWS) to help build comprehensive data about how we’re doing as a region.

Update on proposed sale of Eastland Network

Eastland Group and its sole shareholder Trust Tairāwhiti have today advised the proposed sale of Eastland Network has progressed into the due diligence stage.

Community hui on the proposed network sale

Trust Tairāwhiti and Eastland Group will hold a series of community engagement hui about the proposed sale of Eastland Network.

September distributions

Trust Tairāwhiti will fund $343,000 towards cultural components around the 1000-year bridge and Te Maro viewing platform.

Network sale update

Increase your business's research and development capability with student grants.

Local businesses can now apply for Callaghan Innovation Student Research and Development Grants.

Rua Bioscience

Rua Bioscience is inspiring the next generation of East Coast scientists, researchers, communicators and entrepreneurs through its internship and scholarship programmes.

Hospice Tairawhiti

Hospice Tairawhiti staff, patients and volunteers, are enjoying a far broader and more comfortable range of services since the opening of the new day services and administration building last year.

Community facilities: Skate Park and Pump Track

The new Skate Park and Pump Track is attracting hundreds of visitors of all ages every week, who are making the most of the world-class facilities right here in Tairāwhiti.

Workforce development: Building careers

Supporting quality, well-paid employment options. Trust Tairāwhiti is one of several local agencies working together to address the region’s workforce and skills challenges.

Gizzy Kai Rescue

It’s impressive when you crunch the numbers on the efforts of Gizzy Kai Rescue (GKR) but dig a little deeper to discover they have offset 137,939kgs of CO2 for the region, and their impact really comes home.

Climate leadership

Climate leadership is identified as a key commitment in the Trust’s strategic plan, Te aka rautaki ki te tau 2026 and over the year, we have built climate considerations into all funding and decision-making processes.

Trust Tairawhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter

When the weather is at its worst, it’s likely the Eastland Helicopter Rescue crew will get the call-up to help, but it is thanks to Trust Tairawhiti support over the last five years, that the region has this valuable service.

Business support: Wisewool

The Trust’s business growth team supports small to medium businesses to achieve their potential, offering a range of services tailored to individual business needs.

Motu Taonga Tuatara Project

An ancient line of living fossils will be able to continue thanks to the work of ecologist Steve Sawyer and the Whinray Ecological Charitable Trust.

Annual report, financial statements and statement of intent now available

The Trust’s Annual Report 2022 is now available.

Six community organisations supported with over $200,000 in funds from Trust Tairāwhiti

An initiative to provide surfing programmes in East Coast townships was one of the major recipients in the latest funding round from Trust Tairāwhiti.

Eastland Group and Trust Tairāwhiti announce plan to sell Eastland Network to fund investment in energy transformation and community wellbeing

Livestream event for Tairāwhiti Techweek

A livestream event showcasing tech creativity, innovation and opportunities in Tairāwhiti will be held as part of the nationwide Techweek later this month.

April distributions

Seven local community groups will benefit from grants totalling $59,500 in the latest funding round from Trust Tairāwhiti.

Flood support and advice for businesses

26 February 2023
- From the offices of Hon Grant Robertson and Hon Kiri Allan

There is just one week left to complete the Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey (TWS) and ensure your voice is captured within this regional data.
More than 800 people have already done the survey, with solid participation right across rohe from Motu to Muriwai to Wharekahika.

Two new directors have been appointed to the Eastland Group board.
Company shareholder Trust Tairāwhiti appointed Hamish Bell and Debbie Birch to the board of the Gisborne-based infrastructure, logistics and energy company.