Unlocking Potential in Wairoa
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.
Since 2011 I have worked with Jenni and Christine on a number of highly successful fundraising initiatives in support of the Sarjeant Gallery Redevelopment Project. With their help and expertise, we have raised more than $28.8m from central government and Lottery sources. The Giblin Group are a pleasure to work with and have provided great advice on many occasions concerning communications and public engagement. I can certainly recommend their services.
Giblin Group supported Blue Oyster with developing a robust Funding Strategy that took into account the specific needs of our organisation and activity. Jenni and Jess offered substantial advice and support in, not only establishing this strategy but giving us helpful tools for implementation and always prioritised sustainability throughout. Their enthusiasm for our space and activity was truly felt and appreciated – our relationship with them will be nourished and valued well into the future.
“As our thinking evolved, Giblin Group showed a steady commitment to deepen their understanding of our needs. We always looked forward to our coaching sessions which were stimulating and inspiring. Jess and Jenni became valued colleagues that supported and provoked thinking with rigour and generosity. They’re now not only valuable advocates for BATS but part of our whānau.”
“Jenni did a fantastic job in helping us to secure critical partnerships and funding support for our internationally significant Len Lye Centre project – what’s more we really enjoyed working with her.”
“Giblin Group’s knowledge of government practices and procedures on a national and local level is invaluable, and I often find that they are well connected with staff and officials on all levels of Government. Giblin Group scopes their assignments well, provides accurate cost estimates for their services, delivers within the agreed timeframes and always deliver excellent quality work – no project manager can really ask for more!”
“The work that the Giblin Group completed, in collaboration with our staff, was instrumental in the success the project has had in securing significant funding to this key City initiative. In particular we have found the experience of the Giblin Group to been invaluable in seeking funding from a variety of sources in an increasingly challenging environment.”