Our team operates across the entire Tairāwhiti region and assists businesses in connecting with the right people, advice, and resources they need to grow.
Our Business Growth team supports local businesses to grow, innovate and thrive across the Tairāwhiti region. Passionate about helping small to medium businesses achieve their potential, the team connects you with the right people, advice and resources to strengthen your business and take the next step with confidence.
We invest directly in major projects where Tairāwhiti has sustainable advantages. By considering investment opportunities that align with our strategic priorities, we support initiatives with the potential to deliver transformational impacts on the region’s economy.
The Trust’s Feasibility Fund enables research to assess the viability and potential success of projects that aspire to benefit communities and economic growth in Tairāwhiti.
It supports entrepreneurs, businesses, and innovators in developing feasibility studies or business cases to determine investment potential. Projects should aim to attract investment from both the Government and private sector, studying new and emerging opportunities.
Please note grants are limited to $25,000, and applicants are required to contribute financially to the feasibility project. This fund is solely for research and feasibility purposes and can’t be used for any operational or capital expenditures.
We engage Infometrics to offer insights from the latest economic data and trends. The quarterly economic monitor provides a focused and timely insight into how the Tairāwhiti economy has performed over the previous quarter with expert commentary.
Tougher economic times remain in Tairāwhiti, with a 1.3%pa fall in economic activity over the 12 months to September 2025, according to provisional estimates from Infometrics. Although forestry and…
The economy in Tairāwhiti remains under pressure, with a 1.0%pa drop in economic activity in the June 2025 quarter dragging year-end activity down 1.2%pa, according to provisional estimates from…
The Tairāwhiti economy remains subdued as tough times keep activity restrained. Provisional estimates from Infometrics show the local economy was 1.0% smaller over the 12 months to March 2025…
The Tairāwhiti economy had a challenging end to 2024, after a stronger first half of the year. However, the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle in the 2023 comparison year makes comparisons more difficult…
Tairāwhiti is showing some early signs of green shoots, despite still-challenging conditions in the local economy. Provisional estimates from Infometrics show a 0.2% rise in economic activity over…
Economic activity in Tairāwhiti remains lower of the last year, although there are some signs of stabilisation in the latest quarter. Provisional estimates from Infometricsshow a 0.5%pa recovery in…
The Trust commissioned Infometrics to assess the size of the region’s tradeable sector, to help contextualise the significance of the tradeable sector in Tairāwhiti and inform stakeholder…
The Tairāwhiti economy remains subdued, with provisional estimates from Infometrics showing a 0.9%pa decline in economic activity over the March 2024 year. The March 2024 quarter showed a rebound…
In the last three months of 2023, the Tairāwhiti economy saw little change from the previous two quarters. The subdued economy reflects the lingering impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, household spending…
Economic activity in Tairāwhiti has shown signs of decline over the year and is tracking below the national average for several indicators, according to the latest Infometrics Quarterly Economic…
The Tairāwhiti economy remains subdued following the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, high interest rates and the cost of living, according to recent economic data. Infometrics’ Quarterly Economic…
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 Tairawhiti economy remains constrained, with more challenging conditions limiting economic activity.
Infometrics provisional estimates show a 1.4%pa fall in economic activity for the September…
Tairāwhiti’s economic growth has outpaced the national average this quarter, with Infometrics provisionally estimating 3.4%pa GDP growth in the March 2022 quarter, compared to 2.0% nationally.
The Tairāwhiti economy saw a robust bounce back in economic activity at the end of 2021.
Provisional estimates from Infometrics point to a 7.1%pa rise in economic activity in the December 2021…
Impacts of the Delta outbreak are being felt in Tairāwhiti, with Infometrics data showing economic activity in the September quarter fell by 3.3 per cent.
The latest Infometrics quarterly economic…
Tairāwhiti’s economy took a breath in the March 2021 quarter, following its impressive recovery over the preceding two quarters. According to provisional estimates from Infometrics, the area’s…
Tairāwhiti regional leaders have released the first Annual Progress Report for Whakakitenga – the Tairāwhiti Economic Plan, showing strong momentum across projects aimed at lifting incomes…
Tougher economic times remain in Tairāwhiti, with a 1.3%pa fall in economic activity over the 12 months to September 2025, according to provisional estimates from Infometrics. Although forestry and…
A new study commissioned by Trust Tairāwhiti shows that wider access and use of irrigation water could significantly boost the regional economy, create jobs and help landowners make the most of their…
Trust Tairāwhiti is helping local businesses make AI work for them. If you run a business, AI can save time, cut costs, solve problems and open new opportunities. AI is a global megatrend reshaping…
The economy in Tairāwhiti remains under pressure, with a 1.0%pa drop in economic activity in the June 2025 quarter dragging year-end activity down 1.2%pa, according to provisional estimates from…
Our community's ideas and aspirations will help shape the future direction of our city through the City Centre Catalyst Initiatives Project. Stage one of the project was led and funded by Trust…
When Kelly and Alex Hyland took over Steve Wolter Plumbing to establish Alex Hyland Plumbing, they inherited a solid customer base, skilled kaimahi, and a well-respected business. Like many new…
An ambitious project to restore and develop the Awapuni Moana lands has the potential to bring transformational and intergenerational outcomes for Tairāwhiti. Led by the not-for-profit Te Awapuni…
A shift towards energy sovereignty and sustainability on the East Coast is gaining momentum, with Te Rimu Trust leading the way through a locally driven solar farm development in Te Araroa. A $1.04m…
AgFirst Gisborne is helping shape the future of agriculture in Tairāwhiti with support from the Callaghan Innovation Research and Development (R&D) Experience Grant.
As the regional delivery partner…
The Tairāwhiti economy remains subdued as tough times keep activity restrained. Provisional estimates from Infometrics show the local economy was 1.0% smaller over the 12 months to March 2025…
A group of twelve secondary school students in Gisborne recently completed an NZQA-approved micro-credential in Aviation Ground Handling delivered by JNP Aviation Training. Typically run over ten…
The Tairāwhiti economy had a challenging end to 2024, after a stronger first half of the year. However, the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle in the 2023 comparison year makes comparisons more difficult…
Trust Tairāwhiti is hosting a public meeting next week for the community to share their ideas and aspirations for the city centre. The meeting is one of several being held across various interest…
Trust Tairāwhiti is partnering with Hawke’s Bay Regional Economic Development Agency HBREDA) to commission an assessment of the potential economic benefits of improving resilience on State Highway 2…
Tairāwhiti is showing some early signs of green shoots, despite still-challenging conditions in the local economy. Provisional estimates from Infometrics show a 0.2% rise in economic activity over…
Economic activity in Tairāwhiti remains lower of the last year, although there are some signs of stabilisation in the latest quarter. Provisional estimates from Infometricsshow a 0.5%pa recovery in…
Trust Tairāwhiti has invested in exploring the establishment of an aerospace sector in the region with the intention of unlocking significant economic, social, environmental, and cultural…
The Trust commissioned Infometrics to assess the size of the region’s tradeable sector, to help contextualise the significance of the tradeable sector in Tairāwhiti and inform stakeholder…
Tairāwhiti’s unused wood residue could be transformed into commercial biofuel with demand set to grow as the region makes the switch to clean energy.
A new report, published today by EECA (the…
The Trust has approved $54,500 in feasibility funding to support establishing a Regional Film Office (RFO) in Tairāwhiti, with the aim of attracting film industry opportunities and sector growth…
When Dr Samantha Holdsworth presented her vision for the Mātai Medical Research Institute to Trust Tairāwhiti in early 2019, the Trust could see that the concept had transformative potential.
The Tairāwhiti economy remains subdued, with provisional estimates from Infometrics showing a 0.9%pa decline in economic activity over the March 2024 year. The March 2024 quarter showed a rebound…
In the last three months of 2023, the Tairāwhiti economy saw little change from the previous two quarters. The subdued economy reflects the lingering impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, household spending…
Economic activity in Tairāwhiti has shown signs of decline over the year and is tracking below the national average for several indicators, according to the latest Infometrics Quarterly Economic…
The Tairāwhiti economy remains subdued following the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, high interest rates and the cost of living, according to recent economic data. Infometrics’ Quarterly Economic…
A Gisborne business built around a surprising synergy of the technology, space and funeral sectors has rocketed from start-up into outer space. StardustME provides space memorial flights to celebrate…
Feasibility case funding for two significant regional economic initiatives was approved in the latest funding round from Trust Tairāwhiti.
In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, Trust Tairāwhiti distributed $16.32 million to 730 local businesses to support their recovery and get back up and running.
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 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 up and running.
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…
26 February 2023 - From the offices of Hon Grant Robertson and Hon Kiri Allan $25 million to help businesses meet immediate costs, further assist with clean-up and boost business support and advice…
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…
Business Hub now open Location : Trust Tairāwhiti - Ground floor, 50 The Esplanade, Shed 3, Inner Harbour Open hours : 8am to 5pm every day Businesses are welcome to come in and use the internet to…
The Tairawhiti economy remains constrained, with more challenging conditions limiting economic activity.
Infometrics provisional estimates show a 1.4%pa fall in economic activity for the September…
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…
Tairāwhiti’s economic growth has outpaced the national average this quarter, with Infometrics provisionally estimating 3.4%pa GDP growth in the March 2022 quarter, compared to 2.0% nationally.
A livestream event showcasing tech creativity, innovation and opportunities in Tairāwhiti will be held as part of the nationwide Techweek later this month.
We understand businesses have been impacted by the recent weather events and there is widespread damage, logistical challenges and financial implications for many.
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.
The Tairāwhiti economy saw a robust bounce back in economic activity at the end of 2021.
Provisional estimates from Infometrics point to a 7.1%pa rise in economic activity in the December 2021…
A business panel discussion about the move into the government's new COVID-19 Protection Framework is now available on the Trust Tairāwhiti website.
Local businesses looking to reduce their climate footprint are invited to attend a free online Climate Action Workshop next week.
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…
Local businesses are less concerned about the current lockdown compared to last year's, according to the results of a Trust Tairāwhiti business survey.
Impacts of the Delta outbreak are being felt in Tairāwhiti, with Infometrics data showing economic activity in the September quarter fell by 3.3 per cent.
The latest Infometrics quarterly economic…
Trust Tairāwhiti has launched an online survey to capture the impacts this current lockdown is having on local business owners and operators.
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.
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.
From 3 June 2021
Tairāwhiti’s economy took a breath in the March 2021 quarter, following its impressive recovery over the preceding two quarters. According to provisional estimates from Infometrics, the area’s…
Westpac Tairāwhiti Business Excellence Awards Finalists. After a full and robust judging day, the judges are pleased to announce the finalists of this year's Westpac Tairāwhiti Business Excellence…
Trust Tairāwhiti was one of the key players in the successful launch of a new careers event connecting local employers with students.
Trust Tairawhiti is investing in the region's digital sector backing TORO Studios which will specialise in digital production services from its Tairawhiti base.
Trust Tairāwhiti welcomed Alex Hawea into the new role of Senior Employment Coordinator at the end of 2020.
A Scion report indicates wood processing in Tairāwhiti could more than half greenhouse gas emissions.
Mātai is a not-for-profit research centre based in Tairāwhiti Gisborne, focused on enhancing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
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…
Quarterly economic data released by Infometrics shows the considerable resilience of the Tairāwhiti economy over the June 2020 year.
The Government is confident that the future of the forestry and wood-processing sector will be bright." - Forestry Minister Shane Jones said in a govt article on June 12.
General Manager Economic Development
Commercial Manager
Regional Investment Manager
Business Growth and Innovation Manager
Business Growth Advisor
Business Growth Advisor
Business Growth Advisor
