And just like that we are the end of another year. 2025 has been an interesting year; sadly, not bringing the economic turnaround that analysts had hinted to in 2024, but of course just like weather forecasters, why not just make another prediction that the real change will come in 2026.
Jokes aside, the beginnings of recovery are evident with continued relaxation of housing interest rates and the inflation rate. It would be fair to say most people who have any interest in following the economy, rapidly identified that it was going to take more than 2+ years to unravel the financial disaster the country had found itself in. Speaking to local businesses, whilst there appears to be a level of acceptance that “we are where we are”, business owners and managers are continuing to place stringent controls on spending and cost whilst the overall environment stabilises.
This last week we held the last BA5 for 2025. Special thanks must go to Delwyn Corin, Catriona Stewart and the team at the Te Puna Creative Hub for generously hosting the evening. Te Puna is a fabulous facility available for hire and features the Komanawa 160 seat multi-functional digital theatre, the Takawai Black Box green screen studio, and Board /meeting room space, all of which is neatly integrated with The Grounds café and restaurant. This centre is available for corporate events and meetings. Thanks again Delwyn. Our next BA5 will be in February when Davis Funerals will be hosting the event at their stunning Central Park Chapel and Lounge facility.
We are further excited to see that the Association will be presenting the first “Connect Her Conference” in the last week of November. Building on the already successful and well subscribed events and meets which Anika has organised and underpins the importance that BWBA is placing on the ever-increasing role that women contribute to business. This conference is going to be one of the high points of the year. Toni Street will be key-note speaker, and the agenda promises a productive and fun day for all delegates. Look out for coverage of the conference on in this issue.
In other news I was also thrilled to attend the opening of He Whare Korowai -Home from home at Hospice West Auckland last week. Building on the invaluable work that Hospice does every day in our community and following the closure of the in-patient unit in Beach Road in 2018, the home from home is now open offering 3 beds for end-of-life and respite care. This will help many families in the west, ensuring that they can continue to receive the care from the same teams of trusted doctors and carers from the hospice and for those patients who are unable to see their final days out at home, they can be cared for in this fabulous, homely environment, right here in the west.
Well with the Christmas Tree up this week on the corner of Lincoln Road and Te Pai Place, all that is left to do is wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. I hope it will be a time of rest spent with family and friends.
See you all in 2026!
Wishing you the best in business and health.