Latest news with #VentureTaranaki
Scoop
12-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Venture Taranaki Releases Latest Economic Figures
Press Release – Venture Taranaki The data shows that the Taranaki economy provisionally contracted by 3.1% in the year to March 2025, compared to a national decline of 1.1%. The latest Quarterly Economic Monitor report commissioned by Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency, has been released offering an evidence-based view of how Taranaki is faring amid ongoing national economic uncertainty. Developed by Infometrics, the report provides a clear, objective snapshot – presenting both the strengths and the challenges shaping the region's economic landscape. 'This report is something we specifically commission for Taranaki because it's vital that our region has access to independent, timely data,' says Anne Probert, Director of Strategic and Sector Partnerships at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki. 'It's about being informed, realistic, and proactive about the trajectory of the region.' The data shows that the Taranaki economy provisionally contracted by 3.1% in the year to March 2025, compared to a national decline of 1.1%. Employment has also fallen by 1.8%, and consumer spending is down 1.9%. These figures reflect the broader pressures felt across Aotearoa, as cautious spending patterns continue to influence business and household behaviour. However, Taranaki is also experiencing more localised impacts. 'We're at the pointy end of the accelerated decline in gas production, and that's flowing through many of our industry sectors, particularly engineering and specialist supply chains, adding a further dimension to our economic situation,' says Probert. Amid these pressures, the region's primary sector is showing significant strength. The dairy payout for Taranaki is forecast to reach $1.807 billion this season, a 31% increase from last year, thanks to rising global commodity prices and a lower exchange rate boosting export returns. 'This is a much-needed boost for our rural communities, who have been contending with the impacts of drought and other challenges,' Probert explains. 'Given the critical role that farming plays across our entire economy, from the farm gate to support services, manufacturing, logistics and retail, this upturn has flow-on benefits for the whole region.' Adding further momentum to the sector, Fonterra has announced significant investments in Taranaki, including the electrification of its Whareroa plant and the development of new cool store facilities demonstrating long-term confidence in the region's agri-food future. The economic report also highlights early signs of a turnaround in the housing market. House sales are up 13.2% over the year in the region, and the number of residential building consents have jumped nearly 23%. While house prices have remained steady, the increase in sales and listings points to renewed interest, driven in part by the region's lifestyle appeal and comparative affordability. 'It's clear that there are challenges but there are also positive areas and momentum for the region,' says Kelvin Wright, Chief Executive of Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki. 'The report highlights the importance of having the regional economic development strategy in place, Tapuae Roa, to ensure we're making the most of our region's strengths and capitalising on emerging opportunities.' Taranaki Economic Snapshot (Year to March 2025) Regional GDP: Provisionally down 3.1% compared to the national decline of 1.1%. Employment: Fell 1.8%, with job losses concentrated in construction, metal manufacturing, and utilities. Unemployment Rate: 4.5%, still lower than the national average of 4.9%. Consumer Spending: Down 1.9%, reflecting cautious household behaviour amid economic uncertainty. Dairy Payout: Forecast at $1.807 billion for the 2024/25 season – a 31% increase from the previous year. House Sales: Up 13.2%, pointing to renewed market interest. Residential Consents: Increased by 22.9%, signalling growing development confidence. Tourism Spend: Down 6.3%, with both domestic and international visitor nights falling. Business Units: Slight decline of 0.1%, compared to national growth of 1.2%. Jobseeker Support: Recipient numbers rose 7.2%, below the national increase of 12.6%.
Scoop
12-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Venture Taranaki Releases Latest Economic Figures
Press Release – Venture Taranaki The data shows that the Taranaki economy provisionally contracted by 3.1% in the year to March 2025, compared to a national decline of 1.1%. The latest Quarterly Economic Monitor report commissioned by Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency, has been released offering an evidence-based view of how Taranaki is faring amid ongoing national economic uncertainty. Developed by Infometrics, the report provides a clear, objective snapshot – presenting both the strengths and the challenges shaping the region's economic landscape. 'This report is something we specifically commission for Taranaki because it's vital that our region has access to independent, timely data,' says Anne Probert, Director of Strategic and Sector Partnerships at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki. 'It's about being informed, realistic, and proactive about the trajectory of the region.' The data shows that the Taranaki economy provisionally contracted by 3.1% in the year to March 2025, compared to a national decline of 1.1%. Employment has also fallen by 1.8%, and consumer spending is down 1.9%. These figures reflect the broader pressures felt across Aotearoa, as cautious spending patterns continue to influence business and household behaviour. However, Taranaki is also experiencing more localised impacts. 'We're at the pointy end of the accelerated decline in gas production, and that's flowing through many of our industry sectors, particularly engineering and specialist supply chains, adding a further dimension to our economic situation,' says Probert. Amid these pressures, the region's primary sector is showing significant strength. The dairy payout for Taranaki is forecast to reach $1.807 billion this season, a 31% increase from last year, thanks to rising global commodity prices and a lower exchange rate boosting export returns. 'This is a much-needed boost for our rural communities, who have been contending with the impacts of drought and other challenges,' Probert explains. 'Given the critical role that farming plays across our entire economy, from the farm gate to support services, manufacturing, logistics and retail, this upturn has flow-on benefits for the whole region.' Adding further momentum to the sector, Fonterra has announced significant investments in Taranaki, including the electrification of its Whareroa plant and the development of new cool store facilities demonstrating long-term confidence in the region's agri-food future. The economic report also highlights early signs of a turnaround in the housing market. House sales are up 13.2% over the year in the region, and the number of residential building consents have jumped nearly 23%. While house prices have remained steady, the increase in sales and listings points to renewed interest, driven in part by the region's lifestyle appeal and comparative affordability. 'It's clear that there are challenges but there are also positive areas and momentum for the region,' says Kelvin Wright, Chief Executive of Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki. 'The report highlights the importance of having the regional economic development strategy in place, Tapuae Roa, to ensure we're making the most of our region's strengths and capitalising on emerging opportunities.' Taranaki Economic Snapshot (Year to March 2025) Regional GDP: Provisionally down 3.1% compared to the national decline of 1.1%. Employment: Fell 1.8%, with job losses concentrated in construction, metal manufacturing, and utilities. Unemployment Rate: 4.5%, still lower than the national average of 4.9%. Consumer Spending: Down 1.9%, reflecting cautious household behaviour amid economic uncertainty. Dairy Payout: Forecast at $1.807 billion for the 2024/25 season – a 31% increase from the previous year. House Sales: Up 13.2%, pointing to renewed market interest. Residential Consents: Increased by 22.9%, signalling growing development confidence. Tourism Spend: Down 6.3%, with both domestic and international visitor nights falling. Business Units: Slight decline of 0.1%, compared to national growth of 1.2%. Jobseeker Support: Recipient numbers rose 7.2%, below the national increase of 12.6%.
RNZ News
30-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Venture Taranaki 'Branching Out' across the region
rural farming 23 minutes ago Michelle Bauer from Venture Taranaki's Branching Out programme shares exciting new opportunities for Taranaki landowners to diversify their farming and growing operations.
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Cheers To China: Three Sisters Brewing Significant Export Growth
Press Release – Venture Taranaki What began as a 10,000-can 'sample' order in mid-2024 from a Chinese distributor has grown rapidly, with recent shipments increasing to 20,000 cans. Award-winning local brewery Three Sisters has been toasting to international success recently, with booming demand from China a resounding endorsement to the quality of their beer. What began as a 10,000-can 'sample' order in mid-2024 from a Chinese distributor has grown rapidly, with recent shipments increasing to 20,000 cans. 'The initial email came out of the blue,' says founder Joe Emans. 'To be honest, when I initially saw the email, I thought it was spam. That's a really big sample order. It's nearly equivalent to what we'd normally produce every other month.' The order wasn't just by chance however, as Three Sisters had captured the attention of the distributor thanks to their reputation for top-quality hazies and strong user ratings on the global beer app Untappd, where users can discover new brews and track trending favourites. This visibility helped them stand out in a crowded market. Fortunately, Emans followed up on that initial email – and the relationship has since flourished. 'China has its own version of Untappd, so they're really in tune with their customers over there,' says Emans. 'Sours in particular have really taken off, making up around 60% of their orders, up from 30% a year ago.' Emans is no stranger to adapting. Since brewing in his garage with his wife Sarah in 2017, the brewery has expanded three times thanks to some hugely successful crowdfunding campaigns, and they recently launched a popular taproom. Three Sisters has also won numerous national and international awards, including back-to-back Champion International Small Brewery trophies in 2023 and 2024 at the Australian International Beer Awards. Now, with demand approaching capacity in recent months, another expansion is already in sight. 'We're a small brewery even by national standards, but we're flexible and curious,' says Emans. 'If we're asked for a beer that's a particular colour, with specific flavour notes – we'll make it. We're happy to tailor beers to suit the market, while keeping our creativity and quality at the heart of everything we do.' Recent global market shifts, including US tariff increases, have made New Zealand beer even more attractive to Chinese distributors, alongside the country's growing reputation in the industry. The journey from garage to exporter hasn't happened over night though. 'We've had some great help from the community along the way, including from Venture Taranaki who has provided some fantastic support – from providing co-funding for courses on crowdfunding campaigns which have been crucial to expanding our production capacity, to helping us tell our story as a guest on their Podcast series ', says Emans. Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency, has also supported and explored the potential of a local hops industry through the Branching Out project. If you're a local business looking for advice or support, check out the range of services offered by Venture Taranaki here:
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Cheers To China: Three Sisters Brewing Significant Export Growth
Award-winning local brewery Three Sisters has been toasting to international success recently, with booming demand from China a resounding endorsement to the quality of their beer. What began as a 10,000-can "sample" order in mid-2024 from a Chinese distributor has grown rapidly, with recent shipments increasing to 20,000 cans. "The initial email came out of the blue," says founder Joe Emans. "To be honest, when I initially saw the email, I thought it was spam. That's a really big sample order. It's nearly equivalent to what we'd normally produce every other month." The order wasn't just by chance however, as Three Sisters had captured the attention of the distributor thanks to their reputation for top-quality hazies and strong user ratings on the global beer app Untappd, where users can discover new brews and track trending favourites. This visibility helped them stand out in a crowded market. Fortunately, Emans followed up on that initial email - and the relationship has since flourished. "China has its own version of Untappd, so they're really in tune with their customers over there," says Emans. "Sours in particular have really taken off, making up around 60% of their orders, up from 30% a year ago." Emans is no stranger to adapting. Since brewing in his garage with his wife Sarah in 2017, the brewery has expanded three times thanks to some hugely successful crowdfunding campaigns, and they recently launched a popular taproom. Three Sisters has also won numerous national and international awards, including back-to-back Champion International Small Brewery trophies in 2023 and 2024 at the Australian International Beer Awards. Now, with demand approaching capacity in recent months, another expansion is already in sight. "We're a small brewery even by national standards, but we're flexible and curious," says Emans. "If we're asked for a beer that's a particular colour, with specific flavour notes - we'll make it. We're happy to tailor beers to suit the market, while keeping our creativity and quality at the heart of everything we do." Recent global market shifts, including US tariff increases, have made New Zealand beer even more attractive to Chinese distributors, alongside the country's growing reputation in the industry. The journey from garage to exporter hasn't happened over night though. "We've had some great help from the community along the way, including from Venture Taranaki who has provided some fantastic support - from providing co-funding for courses on crowdfunding campaigns which have been crucial to expanding our production capacity, to helping us tell our story as a guest on their Podcast series", says Emans. Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency, has also supported and explored the potential of a local hops industry through the Branching Out project. If you're a local business looking for advice or support, check out the range of services offered by Venture Taranaki here:
