Great Things Grow Here business group has sights set on Wairoa's economic growth potential

Tourism potential will be a theme of Thursday's GTGH networking event in Wairoa. Photo / Supplied

The Great Things Grow Here business networking group is looking to take Wairoa's local economy to the next level.

Wairoa District Council and Great Things Grow Here are hosting local businesses at a social engagement event on Thursday to help them establish networks to build successful enterprises based around the theme of tourism and its ability to boost Wairoa.

The council invited the group to Wairoa to hold the event, which is usually held in the Napier-Hastings districts, and WDC chief executive Steven May said he hoped local businesses would have the opportunity to showcase to the Hawke's Bay business community their potential and contribution to the community.

"This is also the perfect opportunity to relaunch and formalise a Wairoa business association ... this could further diversify what we already have in Wairoa and allow our community to start conversations around business growth.

"Wairoa has a lot to offer in the economic development and tourism space ... our quiet corner of the country offers some of the best outdoor adventure experiences and the people here welcome you like they are your own whanau."

Great Things Grow Here regional marketing advisor Sam Jackman said he had been so impressed with Wairoa's potential that, not only had he bought a house there, but he was expecting the district to boom.

"I don't think Wairoa realises the potential it has," he said.

"The whole of Wairoa and Hawke's Bay has enormous potential, and our brand [Great Things Grow Here] is about uniting and promoting the whole region, on a national and international stage.

"This event is about businesses getting together, talking to each other and collaborating to get things off the ground."

Mr Jackman is also encouraging local businesses to promote the Great Things Grow Here brand.

He added there was no cost to businesses to take part in the initiative if they wanted to promote the brand.

"If we all work together we can promote Wairoa and Hawke's Bay collectively without anyone doing this individually and having nothing behind them."