| 23 T T Karen Phelps Making a difference The company integrates young employees into meaningful roles across its operations, providing training, mentorship, and exposure to innovative manufacturing and technology processes. Hawk Group REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Hawk Group is proving that business success and social impact can go hand in hand through its partnership with LIFT Youth Foundation (Lyf). The New Zealand-owned horticulture packaging company has employed a number of young people through the programme, giving rangatahi facing disadvantage or exclusion a chance to gain practical work experience, build confidence, and connect with their community. “We have employed five young people through this programme and they have been a tremendous success,” says chief operating officer Kelly Fenwick. “We wanted to be involved as the work Lyf does is amazing, supporting young people in education, employment, housing and wellbeing, restoring hope and purpose while grounding them in identity and community.” Hawk’s involvement goes beyond simply offering jobs. The company integrates young employees into meaningful roles across its operations, providing training, mentorship, and exposure to innovative manufacturing and technology processes. “It’s about giving these young people the chance to learn skills that will help them in the long term,” says Kelly. “They become part of a supportive workplace where they can thrive.” Sustainability and innovation are central to Hawk’s business, which aligns well with Lyf’s philosophy of empowering people to create positive change. Since 2009, Hawk has produced moulded fibre trays from recycled paper, diverting thousands of tonnes of kerbside waste from landfills annually. “We turn waste fibre into our apple and avocado trays, creating a circular economy,” says Kelly. “Contaminated materials are removed, and the reclaimed fibre is pulped and moulded into trays, which are recyclable and compostable at the end of their life.” Hawk also ensures its manufacturing processes avoid bleaches, pigments, biocides or toxic chemicals, and all products comply with international standards. Its factory, located in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s largest apple-growing region, minimises transportation and carbon emissions. “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do,” says Kelly. Established in 1994, Hawk now produces roughly 110 million trays per annum for the apple and avocado industries. The company has invested heavily in developing trays suited to more humid markets such as India, as this market continues to grow for New Zealand apple orchardists. Despite its global reach and technological expertise, Kelly says the Lyf partnership remains one of its proudest initiatives. By investing in young people, it creates opportunities for employment, personal growth and skill development, reinforcing the company’s belief that sustainable business includes caring for the community. “This partnership is about more than work experience,” says Kelly. “It’s about giving young people hope, a sense of purpose, and the chance to succeed. That’s a really rewarding part of what we do.” Proud to support Hawk Group Call 0800 800 108 or 06 843 7300 or see www.fireandsafetytraining.co.nz 99 Niven Street, Napier email: napier@fastltd.co.nz Fire & Safety Training Courses include: Fire Extinguisher Training / Fire Warden Training Breathing Apparatus Training / Confined Space & Gas Detection Training First Aid in the Workplace Training / Working at Height Training Permit to work & Haz ID / Elevated Work platforms Unit standard based NZQA approved Training Courses westhaul.co.nz 03 528 8610 Your Trusted Freight & Warehousing Partner Since 1982 • General Freight Transport • Container Transport • Refrigerated Transport • Log Transport • Reliable Storage Solutions – Approved ATF Facility and Customs Controlled storage site • Nation Wide Road Freight WHAT WE DO:
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