Hikurangi Business Association
Background
Hikurangi began as a self-sufficient village built around coal mining, logging and a dairy factory. It once supported butcheries, dairies, service stations and a wide range of local trades that kept the town humming. When the State Highway 1 bypass opened, it changed the landscape of Hikurangi particularly for business that relied on high traffic.
Formation of the Hikurangi Business Association
Local business owners formed the Hikurangi Business Association (HBA) in 2009 to reconnect and strengthen the village economy. The group started as a simple forum for networking and sharing ideas, and quickly became a united voice for local business and community wellbeing.
What the HBA does
The HBA supports events, funds local projects and advocates for better collaboration with council and community groups. It led the push for a shared Placemaking Plan and later hired the association’s first paid contractor to keep that vision on track. Members meet monthly to network, share updates and back each other’s projects, keeping Hikurangi a great place to work, live and visit.
Vision & Mission
The HBA’s vision and mission are a continued commitment to the district’s economy, environmental development, infrastructure, recreation and tourism, and growth opportunities. Businesses contribute expertise, donations, and connections to improve the village and the wider district.
The Association’s objectives are:
Planned Economy & Strong Community
Create and maintain a planned economy and a resilient community for the mutual benefit of those who invest, work, live, and visit the district.
A United Local Voice
Represent the community’s future so key decisions about the local economy, environment, and socio‑cultural development are initiated and driven by the district.
Appropriate Infrastructure
Ensure planned infrastructure supports business, recreation, and tourism.
Growth Opportunities
Identify, explore, and support opportunities for growth.
Management Structure
The HBA is an Incorporated Society with about 30 members who form its foundation and actively contribute to project and event discussions. An Executive Committee of up to nine members oversees operations and ensures governance and financial accountability.
The HBA meets monthly on the second Wednesday, usually at 7pm, with the venue varying by availability.
It operates under the constitution adopted at incorporation and files annual information with the Companies Office to maintain registration; the constitution is available here and is being updated to reflect the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, with amendments toward the new criteria available here and here.
To inquire about membership or attending a meeting, contact the secretary at hba@hikurangi.co.nz.
Meet The Team
Wayne Fowell
Chairman
Alex Smits
Executive Committee Officer
Cory Haslam
Secretary
Jerram Bain
Executive Committee Officer
Vicky Humphreys
Treasurer
Terry Haslam
Executive Committee Officer
Shayn Rouse
Executive Committee Officer
HBA Projects
The HBA have been instrumental in driving community projects within Hikurangi since it's inception in 2009. Since the establishment of the Community Development Group and engaging the Community Development Coordinator these projects are now completed as a collaboration. For information historical community projects led by the HBA read up on our blog.