Local business development group looking towards a bright commercial future

PROFILE

BY JULIA WADE

19 Dec, 2022

As local businesses prepare and brace themselves for the thousands of holidaymakers heading their way over the summer season, an organisation whose goal is to back all types of commercial enterprises, is looking at a refresh to help connect business owners, increase membership and expand support.

Mangawhai Business Association [MBA] has been operating as an advocate and supporter of local businesses, and holds an inclusive vision of members getting together to socialise, network and share ideas.

New MBA chair Andy Bruce, owner/operator of video production company Elevated Media, took over leadership in November and says the coming holidays is the perfect time to focus on revitalising the association’s appeal to attract new businesses and potential committee members, to help drive forward MBA’s vision.

“Mangawhai is no longer just a small beach community of long-time locals and baches, it’s that and much more,” says Andy. “It’s fast becoming a dynamic business hub in one of the fastest-growing regions in New Zealand.

“Mangawhai Central will add a whole new dimension to the place, not forgetting the new motorway opening soon and the addition of two new world-class golf courses just over the dunes,” he says. “We need to regrow our membership and get to a critical mass so we can get things really happening. We’re in the process of finding out what’s important to new and existing businesses and delivering what they need.”

Feedback from a recent survey of MBA members helped the group to define a strategy for 2023, with a focus on three key areas: developing membership growth and engagement plans for key organisations, and establishing a trade show concept to create and foster B2B connections within the area.

“I’d love to chat to people and welcome any feedback as we update our strategy,” Andy says. “One of the first things on our list is to host a large speed-networking event at the Tavern, where we want to see as many businesses, old, new or recently arrived come together to connect in a relaxed and fun way. Stay tuned for that.”

Formerly from Birkenhead, Andy moved to Mangawhai two years ago with his wife, daughter and his business Elevated Media, which creates promotional content for companies as well as stunning photography of Mangawhai’s spectacular scenery, often from a birds-eye view. He also donates his time and talent to capturing numerous local events including the sand mining protests, Bowl Jam and Santa’s parade, with many of his photos featuring in the Mangawhai Focus.

“Since moving up, my passion for photography has grown hugely. I love getting shots of the local wildlife and the beautiful landscapes, so much so that I recently opened a small gallery in the Wood Street shops selling my framed prints and doing commissions.”

After his family settled in, Andy says it did not take long to fall in love with the place and find like-minded people, and due to the welcoming nature of locals ‘it felt like getting plugged straight into the community’.

“A community which soon became good friends and a community I do business with. It was just so easy and I want to help local businesses connect in a similar way, which is especially important considering the current economic climate,” he says. “I feel that there is so much potential and opportunity for local businesses when they connect and work together.”

n Interested in knowing more about the Mangawhai Business Association? Check out mangawhai.co.nz

“Mangawhai is no longer just a small beach community… It’s fast becoming a dynamic business hub in one of the fastest-growing regions in New Zealand.”

– Andy Bruce, MBA chair

New MBA head, Andy Bruce, says the benefits of membership include an online business directory listing, access to monthly networking events, promotion on social media channels and access to the MBA employment board and events calendar. PHOTO/SUPPLIED