Covid-19 and drought spell tough times fro Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay is struggling with the double whammy of severe drought and Covid-19.
Currently, 2,200 more people have lost their jobs compared to last year and 67 per cent of work ready job seekers were Māori and Pasifika.
A Regional Economic Recovery report presented to the Regional Council’s corporate and strategic committee by Sarah Tully presents a grim picture.
Tully said throughout the Covid-19 response, $330m had been paid in wage subsidies across the region, with 52 per cent of jobs covered in the first payment and 10 per cent in the extension.
With booster funding from central government, council supported 728 local businesses with $1.5 million of assistance under the Regional Business Partners programme.
Tully said like the rest of New Zealand, the Hawke’s Bay economy was forecast to decline further, impacted by reduced visitor numbers and rising unemployment levels.
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.5% I want to be able to choose.
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47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
Neighbourhood Posts
Would it be possible for people / or admin to remove posts? as some stay there for weeks, and nborly becomes rather static and boring!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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