Posts by Sarah Nicholson
A smarter energy option? Why geoheat is getting attention from business
Priority One is currently undertaking a programme of work that seeks to understand our energy context and develop a regional energy strategy to drive the Western Bay’s economic transition. Following…
Read MoreRegional Deal Strengthens Confidence in the Western Bay of Plenty
The signing of a Regional Deal between central government and the councils of the Western Bay of Plenty is a significant step toward greater certainty, better alignment and increased confidence…
Read MoreAI is moving fast – does your business know where to start?
In Priority One’s recent Business Sentiment Survey, 85% of businesses identified AI or automation as likely to impact their organisation over the next 12 months. So as AI shifts from a “should…
Read MoreThe Western Bay’s crossroads: how do we build a more resilient energy future?
As costs rise, supply tightens and demand grows, energy is becoming one of the most critical challenges facing our region. We talk to Renée Jens of Dominion Salt, a member…
Read MoreSpotlight on intrapreneurship: Your next big idea is already inside your business
While startups often get the spotlight, plenty of the real innovation is happening within existing organisations, driven by people like Jeannine Walsh, founder and head of the New Ventures team…
Read MoreUpsel: An AI-powered platform designed to improve hospitality teams’ performance
Years working in hospitality showed Tauranga entrepreneur Billy Emeny just how difficult it can be to maintain consistent service and sales performance across a restaurant team. That experience led the…
Read MoreElectrify Your Business event: Improve energy efficiency, save money & reduce environmental impact
Sustainable Business Network (SBN), in conjunction with Priority One, is holding the free Electrify Your Business event on 29 April in Tauriko. We ask SBN about the programme and why…
Read MoreBusiness survey results: A clear guide on how to best support our members
Priority One CEO, Dave Courtney, talks about the topline results of the 2026 Business Outlook Survey, and sees how they align with our focus on people, innovation and investment. Business…
Read MoreFrom classroom to commercial impact: An intern delivering real results
For growing businesses, accessing the right skills at the right time can be challenging – particularly in specialised areas such as engineering, data or applied science. Internships at The University of Waikato offer a practical way to…
Read MoreOpinion: New Zealand’s $140 billion elephant
New Zealand households are currently holding a record amount of their wealth in cash. Mohandeep Singh from Craigs Investment Partners notes this has the potential to be significant tailwind for…
Read MoreOpinion: Signals of strength in the Western Bay
Priority One CEO, Dave Courtney, looks at the positive regional messages sent out from two local events, DayBreak – Festival of Innovation and Zespri Momentum 2026. Last week, two events in Tauranga…
Read MoreA smart solar move for The Flooring Room
Steve Ferris, owner of The Flooring Room, has installed solar panels on the roof of his commercially leased building in Eleventh Ave, Tauranga. We asked him about what prompted him…
Read More