Havelock North Business Association
Hello from the Havelock North Business Association
The Havelock North Business Association was formed in 1997, and is a non-profit incorporated society, separate to Hastings District Council (HDC) or any other corporate body. The Business Improvement District was formed in 2022 and is funded by a BID target rate, collected on commercial buildings within the rateable area (see membership inclusion zone below). The Association board is made up of owners and representatives of a number of businesses in Havelock North, Hawke’s bay.
We represent over 350 businesses within the Central Business District (CBD), with our membership including retail, hospitality, trade, professional and service businesses, including landlords and tenants.
Our Association has two key roles, to provide a support network and advocate for local businesses as well as to develop strategies that enhance, promote Havelock North as the best place to shop, eat, stay, play and live.
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Membership
Our aim is to make Havelock North the number one place in New Zealand to shop, eat, stay, play, live and do business. We achieve this through marketing campaigns, vibrancy initiatives, advocacy, and support for our members.
Businesses within the rated levy area automatically become members through a commercial rates levy paid by landowners to the Hastings District Council. External businesses outside the CBD can access the same benefits through an annual external membership ($450 +gst), subject to board approval based on location, involvement in the Havelock North business community, and alignment of benefits. We also consider complimentary associate memberships for registered not-for-profits and charities.
The Association’s key role is advocacy, including maintaining strong relationships with Hastings District Council, business support providers, and government agencies to keep members informed and connected. Our volunteer board and council representatives meet bi-monthly to guide planning and actions.
Day-to-day operations are managed by two contracted roles: Association Manager Emma McRobbie, who carries out board directives, and Social Media and Administration Coordinator Marie Weber, who supports communications and engagement.
What we offer our members includes, but is not limited to:
- Local and domestic tourism marketing & promotion carried out in line with our annual plan
- Member connection and networking events
- Access to business development events
- E-newsletter updates of relevant business information
- Eligibility for election to the HNBA Board
Website
We manage the havelocknorth.co.nz (& havelocknorthnz.com) which brings in 1000’s of unique visits per month. We monitor our SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) which helps our websites business listings to rank high in search engines (e.g. Google) searches which is a great benefit for our members to help connect with a wider audience. We aim to tie the majority of our marketing activity back to our website to add maximum value to our business listings.
Social Media
We curate the @LoveHavelockNorthNZ social media and have a combined 20,000 followers across Facebook and Instagram. We use our platforms to excite people about local happenings, events and of course to share our members’ businesses.
Member Events
The HNBA runs quarterly member connection and networking events and provides access to workshops and business development events through our friends at the Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce
AGM |
The Havelock North Business Association Board
The board for the Havelock North Business Association is made up of local business owners and representatives who are passionate about the Havelock North business community and its growth.
Annually, before the October AGM we take nominations for new board members from our current membership. To submit your interest please get in touch with Emma McRobbie, the Association Manager.
