Top marks: $10 billion GDP makes Western Bay one of strongest regions
5 Mar, 2021 07:00 PM
6 minutes to read
Tauranga and the Western Bay are one of the top performing regions in the country. Photo /File
Tauranga and the Western Bay are one of the top performing regions in the country. Photo /File
The Western Bay s GDP has tipped $10 billion again despite Covid-19, with the region s primary sectors continuing to drive job creation. A report from Infometrics on Tauranga and the Western Bay sub-region, which compares 2020 to 2019, highlights an unemployment rate of 3.9 per cent compared to the national rate of 4.6 per cent and a 2020 GDP of $10 billion only .06 per cent behind figures in 2019.
Carmen Hall: Throwing money at a problem doesn t always fix it
19 Feb, 2021 08:00 PM
3 minutes to read
Some concerns have been raised over the Government s apprenticeship scheme. Photo / Getty Images
Last year the Government announced its apprenticeship scheme with much fanfare.
The welcomed injection of cash followed Covid and a skilled-labour shortage that was continuing to bite. The trades were under stress as they struggled to keep up with the increasing demand for apprentices across the trades.
Building, construction, plumbers and electricians were feeling the pinch while some employers were reluctant to take on any newbies due to the cost.
Tradies I have spoken to said it was a real gamble and costly because you couldn t expect an apprentice to start paying their way for at least a couple of years.
Concerns raised over apprenticeship scheme
12 Feb, 2021 08:00 PM
8 minutes to read
Apprenticeship numbers have climbed but still aren t where they need to be experts say. Photo / Getty Images
Apprenticeship numbers have climbed but still aren t where they need to be experts say. Photo / Getty Images
Heavyweights in the trades say a broad-brush approach to the Government s apprenticeship scheme is draining funds that should go to sectors hardest hit by the skilled labour shortage. Plumbers, electricians and building representatives were also concerned people were training for the wrong reasons or employers were using them as cheap labour.
But others say Government funding had helped build business confidence and more apprentices gaining qualifications was a win-win.
Renovation boom: Bay of Plenty home owners splurge with overseas holiday funds
24 Jan, 2021 05:00 PM
5 minutes to read
The Renovators Painters and Decorators operations manager Claudio Valenzuela. Photo / Caroline Fleming
Bay homeowners are splurging on renovations spending up to $1 million gutting their house with some tradies struggling to meet demand. Overseas travel budgets were also being used to fund projects and experts in the industry say they are flat out busy as people look to add value to their properties - or remodel outdated kitchens and bathrooms.
One company expected this year could be its biggest ever as people elected to spend money saved for overseas travel on home renovation projects.
Ports of Auckland: The global supply chain is stuffed
15 Jan, 2021 05:00 AM
7 minutes to read
COSCO chief operating officer Mark Scott and Ports of Auckland spokesperson Matt Ball remain confident they can weather a storm of delays from surging inbound cargo. Video / CCTV via AP
COSCO chief operating officer Mark Scott and Ports of Auckland spokesperson Matt Ball remain confident they can weather a storm of delays from surging inbound cargo. Video / CCTV via AP
Major supply chain issues caused by delays at ports nationally and globally are hampering retailers efforts to stock up as consumers pick up their spending. Retail NZ said the issues were affecting most products that