In November 2019, the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa Trust, Ngāti Pāhauwera Development Trust, and Wairoa District Council commissioned Giblin Group to help them realise new potential in their region.
Giblin Group set out to explore how a horticulture post-harvest facility could help to unlock the conversion of high-value Wairoa land into horticulture. Giblin Group produced an integrated feasibility and business case assessment. It captured the complexities involved and the incredible opportunity available.
Uniquely positioned
Wairoa is rich with flat, fertile land with access to water. Its climate supports an early harvest window. There’s access to New Zealand’s most sophisticated horticulture knowledge and eco-systems in neighbouring Heretaunga and Tairawhiti. Furthermore, this special region has an opportunity to benefit growing global demand.
In the last ten years, a number of reports have highlighted opportunities for Wairoa in changes to land use and horticulture. But, there were concerns these opportunities would remain out of reach without government support for iwi, landowners and investors to develop a local supply chain and the necessary infrastructure.
Complexities considered
Giblin Group’s work confirmed strong positive factors underpinning Wairoa’s horticulture potential. However, it also uncovered key challenges and constraints to be addressed. These range from the difficulties and costs associated with getting product to market, to building labour capability. Much of the land is owned freehold by Māori and collective ownership can bring significant complexities to decision-making. Giblin Group’s work considered this along with the contextual role of tangata whenua and mana whenua.
A pathway to unleash potential
The final integrated feasibility and business case found a strong case for investment. This focused on enabling rapid and widespread horticulture diversification of high value Wairoa flat land. The economic benefits of this could be substantial. In fact, they could be transformational for the district.
Giblin Group identified a package of high-level investment options that could work together to address the region’s complex issues. This comprehensive and affordable approach includes working closely with iwi and related parties to ensure benefits to Māori, a land use advisory service, training, and a staged development of post-harvest facilities.
Giblin Group now looks forward to seeing Wairoa attract the investment it needs to nurture it’s potential and flourish.