Business Opportunities

If you are interested in starting or taking over a business you will find that government-sponsored funding opportunities and a relatively modest wage structure add to the Eastern Bay of Plenty’s attractiveness as a location for business. Numerous entrepreneurial businesses have been set up in the Eastern Bay of Plenty in a variety of fields, targeting niche markets in both the domestic and export sectors.

Research has identified opportunities for growth in timber processing for export and domestic markets. These have the potential to make a big contribution to economic growth in the region. Excellent road and rail links connect the hinterland with the country's largest export port at Tauranga in the Western Bay of Plenty.

The Eastern Bay of Plenty’s spectacular inland and coastal attractions, including the marine volcano White Island, have encouraged the growth of tourism, with local marketing activities helping to lift visitor numbers and strengthen the Eastern Bay of Plenty economy. Visitor arrival numbers into the region staying in commercial accommodation totalled 152,189 over the March 2009 year.  The number of nights spent in the region by visitors staying in commercial accommodation totalled approximately 354,295 for the March 2009 year.

Major aquaculture development with the potential to create more than 900 jobs is planned for the Opotiki area. This will be facilitated by Council plans to upgrade the harbour entrance - providing a reliable, all-weather harbour by 2012. For more information on the future development of the Opotiki Harbour.

By-products from the pulp and paper industry have the potential for further processing into marketable products, offering opportunities for entrepreneurs. Vast amounts of waste fibre and bark are available for growing aggregate or landscaping, while trade waste recycling also has much potential.

We've already been having a close look at potential opportunities for businesses, and here are some ideas for you:

• Tourism - there are huge opportunities to expand this already vibrant sector
• Timber processing - Kawerau is expanding its industrial area and opportunities to add value exist here
• Manufacturing, wholesale trade and utility services supporting primary production industries
• Education and training opportunities associated with Te Whare o Awanuiarangi, Waiariki Institute and Anamata. The engineering sector has a strong training facility associated with the mills at Kawerau.
• Marine industries such as aquaculture, harbour development, boat building and maintenance will benefit from the development of the Opotiki Harbour entrance
• Māori resource utilisation, such as improving Māori land productivity, iwi geothermal power, commercial investments arising from treaty settlements.
• Digital services - broadband speeds in the region make digital businesses feasible
• Service industries to support an aging population
• Additional geothermal energy resources near Kawerau are coming on line, providing a ready supply for energy hungry industries