General News
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 MoreWhy young people need to be part of conversations about investment
Investment is often framed as something that happens far away from young people. It can sound like a conversation for boardrooms, balance sheets and people already well into their careers.…
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 MoreThe gap no one talks about: when entry-level no longer means ready
There is a quiet shift happening in the way employers are thinking about hiring rangatahi. It is not being driven by policy or headlines. It is coming from the ground.…
Read MoreOpinion piece from Downtown Tauranga: rise in city centre revenue
By Genevieve WhitsonManager Mainstreet Tauranga The increase in revenue we have been seeing, and tracking over the past 12 months from March 2025 to February 2026 compared with March 2024…
Read MoreFrom orchard to global stage: the thinking behind Robotics Plus
What does it take to build a globally relevant technology company from a regional base? For Robotics Plus co-founder Steve Saunders, the answer is not a single breakthrough moment or…
Read MoreOur take on council: Instep Young Leaders step into local government
By Keana Rolleston, Te Puke High School, and Indy Rhodes, Tauranga Girls’ College Last Thursday we attended the first official business breakfast for this year’s Instep Young Leaders’ Forum 2026,…
Read MoreCould geothermal be the next big opportunity for Western Bay business?
$50m on the table: Is there a geothermal opportunity for your business? The Government has recently released a national geothermal strategy, alongside $50m of new funding to help get projects off the ground. If your business…
Read MoreStudent growth affirms property expansion at University of Waikato
The University of Waikato’s Tauranga campus continues to grow, reflecting increasing student demand and the strengthening role of the University within the Bay of Plenty. Recent developments across enrolments, accommodation…
Read More