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Hibiscus Coast business associations are encouraging businesses to make full use of the resources available.
Despite their proven benefits, many local businesses don’t engage with us or even realise we exist,” Destination Ōrewa manager Hellen Wilkins says.
Destination Ōrewa is one of the three business associations on the Hibiscus Coast. Along with Silverdale Business, it is a Business Improvement District (BID), while Business Whangaparāoa operates as a business association.
In New Zealand, a BID is a partnership between local businesses, property owners, and the council, funded through a targeted rate, to enhance the business environment and support economic growth in a designated area. Auckland has 50 BIDs representing more than 25,000 businesses, with a combined capital value estimated at $72.7 billion.
The three associations on the Hibiscus Coast represent more than a 1000 businesses, offering support to everyone from sole traders working from home to large industrial and corporate organisations.
“Ōrewa is strongly focused on hospitality and tourism,” Hellen says. “So we put a lot of effort into events and promoting the area as a destination for day trips.”
After the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, business is on the rise, she says. But she is keen to see more businesses take advantage of the support available.
“It’s a very active and engaged community. While Ōrewa has traditionally been popular with retirees, the profile has changed significantly over the past decade, with younger families moving into the newer suburbs.”
The changing demographics make it an ideal market for the 30-plus age group.
“It’s a fantastic destination for activites like surfing, kite surfing, healthy eating and shopping, and just a short drive from Auckland.”
The upcoming Ōrewa Boulevard Arts Fiesta on February 15 is an example of an event that helps drive the local economy. With 150 market stalls booked and 10,000 visitors expected, it promises to bring a welcome boost to local businesses.
A short hop down the road in Silverdale, Tasha Gummer, general manager of Silverdale Business, has a strong focus on developing the Silverdale Business Hub. The rapidly growing area was granted BID status in 2023.
With more than 700 businesses, Silverdale faces different challenges from Ōrewa, but a number of projects are already underway. These include regular business networking events, a crime prevention programme, and plans to create walking pathways and activate the Silverdale Pioneer Village area.
“We know some sectors are still struggling, it’s not back to where it was, but things are definitely improving, and some businesses are thriving,” Tasha says. “I’d call it cautiously optimistic.”
She believes business associations are an underused resource and wants to see more businesses tapping into the opportunities they offer.
“It’s our job to connect people and build relationships, to see where businesses can help each other. That’s why we put so much effort into business-to-business networking.”
The Hibiscus Coast is one of Auckland’s fastest-growing regions, with plenty of opportunities for businesses. Tasha encourages business owners to engage with their local business association and take advantage of the resources available to help them.
Michelle Chandler, business manager with Business Whangaparāoa, agrees it is more positive than it has been but also encourages members to make most of the business association.
“Every time we have a networking event, someone always stays late talking to a new contact,” she says.
“Business Whangaparāoa differed from the others as it was more service orientated and less centralised, with its tourism and entertainment hubs spread out along the peninsula.
“We have a lot of owner operated business as well, who don’t have a lot of staff, so the more we can be there for each other, the better it is for all of us.”
Destination Ōrewa Beach www.orewabeach.co.nz • Business Whangaparāoa www.businesswhangaparaoa.co.nz • Business Silverdale www.silverdalebusiness.co.nz
