Partnership aiming to build community for exporters

In an exciting initiative, ExportNZ BOP and Waiariki Institute of Technology have partnered to help support, educate and create a strong community for exporters in Rotorua and the Eastern Bay.

At a time when exporters are under immense pressures due to the global financial crisis and the high New Zealand dollar, the two organisations will combine to offer specialised events and activities for the local export community.

Waiariki has the second biggest international student cohort in the New Zealand institute of technology and polytechnic sector and through the delivery of government export and domestic education priorities has a vested interest in the region's overall industry needs, according to Waiariki chief executive Professor Margaret Noble.

"As a leading educational institute in the region we're excited by the potential for our region and believe this partnership will only enhance the good work that is already taking place in the export sector," she said.

Angela Wallace, executive officer for ExportNZ BOP, said it would also help fill an ongoing gap.

"We regularly hear from our members about skill shortages so partnering with Waiariki will help link local education with specific industry needs," she said.

ExportNZ BOP, with support from BNZ Partners, has been increasing its offerings to exporters in Rotorua recently and the organisation was gaining momentum, according to Ms Wallace.

"Now having Waiariki's support, both financially and through their passionate staff has made it easy to ramp up what ExportNZ BOP offers to its members in Rotorua. For many years our Rotorua members have had to travel to Tauranga for most of our events, but we will be offering more and more in Rotorua, with members from the Western Bay travelling to Rotorua to attend."

She said this level of support for Rotorua and Eastern Bay exporters was unheard of.

"Both organisations are excited to be working together to support companies so integral to the success of the local and national economy."

ExportNZ BOP have been holding bi-monthly exporter breakfasts at the BNZ Partners centre, with topics such as an update on the exchange rate. At each session exporters introduced themselves, their company and gave an update about what was happening in their arena.

Ms Wallace said next Thursday's Pacific Island Market Focus breakfast forum in Rotorua had been organised because many local companies were exporting there.

"Having the support from Waiariki means we are able to turn around events and opportunities relevant to exporters very quickly," she said.

The last event this year will be a Christmas party on December 13.

"This won't have high strategic goals except ExportNZ and Waiariki are keen to get people together to toast a pretty tough year, while meeting others in the export arena."

Ms Wallace said the first event scheduled for 2013 would be focused on the Indian market.

For event information see www.bayofplenty.exportnz.org.nz.