Established Hawke’s Bay companies have stepped forward as founding partners of Foodeast Haumako’s Innovation Club, the newly launched Hawke’s Bay Investment Group and as naming sponsors within the innovation hub.
Willis Legal, Nexia New Zealand and FMG have joined as preferred partners of the Hawke’s Bay Investment Group, bringing significant legal, financial and governance capability to the development of a coordinated regional investor network.
Two respected local businesses have committed as Naming Rights Partners within the Foodeast Haumako innovation hub:
- Int Workspaces: Board Room Naming Rights Partner
- HB Technologies: Meeting Room Naming Rights Partner
Their support anchors the physical spaces where founders, investors and advisors meet, test ideas and build commercial partnerships.
The newly announced Innovation Club founding members are:
Silver Partner
- Prevar
Bronze Partners
- PanPac Forest Products
- Export New Zealand
- Business Central
Together, this first cohort represents depth across legal, finance, forestry, plant science, insurance export and business leadership; a strong cross-section of the region’s economic backbone.
Foodeast Haumako chief executive Michael Bassett-Foss says the calibre of organisations involved sends a clear signal.
When firms of this standing choose to back a regional initiative, it reflects confidence; not just in Foodeast Haumako, but in Hawke’s Bay’s future growth. This is experienced leadership stepping up, shoulder to shoulder, to grow Hawke’s Bay’s economy.
Building a coordinated investment network
The Hawke’s Bay Investment Group has been established to support early-stage investment and business growth. The region has both private capital and ambitious founders. What has been missing is a structured framework to connect the two consistently and professionally, Mr Bassett-Foss said.
The Investment Group will:
- provide visibility of curated, high-potential investment opportunities
- connect experienced and emerging investors
- create a trusted forum for informed investment discussion
- link Hawke’s Bay into national networks, including the New Zealand Angel Association
The group is also partnering with Taranaki and Manawatū to establish a Lower Central North Island investment structure. This model will provide national-scale administration and compliance support while maintaining strong local identity and investor relationships.
The initiative builds on two successful Foodeast Haumako investor forums held last year and reflects a growing appetite to retain both innovation and investment returns within the region.
The official launch will be held on Monday 16 March at Foodeast Haumako in Hastings, featuring NZ Angel Association chair David Flacks.
Strengthening the region’s innovation engine
Powered by Foodeast Haumako, the Hawke’s Bay Innovation Club connects businesses, agencies and leaders into a practical innovation network focused on food, beverage and agritech.
Membership offers:
- leadership forums and capability development
- networking and commercial profiling opportunities
- access to shared workspaces and meeting facilities
- connection to the Hawke’s Bay Investment Group
- involvement in shaping regional innovation programmes
The club is designed for organisations looking to build capability, connection and long-term growth.
