Posts by Sarah Nicholson
From a van to a village: The story of the Merivale Community Centre
Merivale Community Centre is the result of decades of community effort, culminating in a purpose-built facility shaped by clearly defined local need. Story produced by Marra Construction There is a…
Read MoreImpact investing: Outcomes, not just returns
In the second piece of our investment insights series, Alastair Rhodes, CEO of BayTrust, tells us how impact investing is moving from the margins to the mainstream – and in…
Read MoreUnlocking Western Bay growth: How to turn alignment into investment?
Hayley Nelson, Chair of the Priority One Tauranga Moana Investment Attraction Group, offers insights around our inaugural Investment Summit, noting that regional alignment and capital already exist, now we need…
Read MoreSwitching to an EV fleet – how to get charging right
If you’re looking at an energy transition plan for your business, EVs may already be on your radar. If so, it’s important to understand the most effective charging methods to…
Read MoreA 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…
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