Business North September 2020

102 | Volume 19 | Issue 3 businessnorth REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT » Waipa District Council Waipa District offers plenty of opportunties Jim Mylchreest When considering Waipa District’s overall landscape Jim Mylchreest says it remains The Home of Champions. “We are still the home of over 50% of New Zea- land’s carded athletes with international cycling at the Avantidrome, world class rowing on Lake Kara- piro, equestrian centres and the Kihikihi Domain - a huge, multi purpose international sports centre. “A lot of business is generated from people visit- ing the district for those major sporting and cultural events.” The district has more than 6800 businesses across the two major towns and Mayor Mylchreest says prior to Covid unemployment was among the lowest in the country at 2.4%. “I’m picking unemployment will peak at 5-6% as a result of Covid. The area has not been affected as much as some areas heavily dependent upon international tourism. “80 percent of the visitors to Waipa are Kiwis. From the moment we were able to start having events again our service industry picked up quite quickly. “Our hotels and motels are noticing a quick recovery from that lockdown period.” Reflecting upon what makes the towns pecial, the Mayor says it is a prosperous and safe com- munity with great business opportunities within the golden triangle between Hamilton, Tauranga and Auckland. • from page 100 “The primary reason for our existence being the agricultural sector is sound and it’s what drives our economy. “Because of that we have these great growth statistics and the ability for people to set up busi- nesses—live, work and play in the district. “There are some very good schools within the district with a high school in Te Awamutu and Cam- bridge High is a rapidly growing high school with 1600 – 1700 students now. St Peters is a private boarding and day school also in Cambridge.” The Home of Champions, replete with its beauti- ful landscape offers exceptional lifestyle and com- mercial opportunities. • Kiwifruit Production Organics Green Gold New Varities • Management, Leasing & Development • Post Harvest Opteration Packing Cool Storage Bulk Storage 128 Gordon Road, RD2 Cambridge, New Zealand Phone: 07 827 8456 www.whitehallfruitpackers.co.nz