'Build in Bay' to kickstart region

A lifestyle second to none - with the choice of life in the country surrounded by vineyards and orchards, or the village atmosphere in Havelock North, the vibrant cafe atmosphere of Napier or the bustling town of Hastings, all within a short drive of each other.

Who wouldn't want to live here?

And it's the dream Business Hawke's Bay are selling to New Zealand, in association with a number of builders and building suppliers in the Bay.

The "Build in Hawke's Bay" promotion is a pilot programme to kickstart residential building in the Bay.

"Despite our having some great building companies and available land, 2011 was not a great year for residential construction in our area," Business Hawke's Bay CEO Murray Douglas said.

The project is part of a nation-wide campaign to showcase the region to the rest of the country.

"We have some great opportunities here and we'll work with prospective newcomers to the Bay, both on the house and building package, but also through our recruitment, banking and legal partners, to encourage people to move here and set up their future in our part of the world.

"The Bay needs people and the residential construction industry needs work - this project is designed to act as a magnet to integrate with other sectors of our economy, such as retail, which would also benefit from new household spending."

Along with suppliers; Tumu, Carters and Mitre 10, Scott Taylor of award-winning Design Builders is one of the 12 building companies involved.

Mr Taylor said his company can help with a complete design and build package and assist those who prefer to use their own site.

"Hawke's Bay is a great place to live - it has lifestyle opportunities, good schools and the Chamber of Commerce is going to help find employment openings," he said.

"Build in the Bay" will include signboards throughout Hawke's Bay to appeal to tourists and visitors, as well as a digital campaign, separate website with links to building companies, and targeted adverts in newspapers and property supplements throughout New Zealand.