The Bay of Plenty’s business future looks bright, according to MYOB’s Annual Business Monitor survey.

The Western Bay has a strong exporter economy, with our primary and manufacturing sectors doing well, Tauranga Business Chamber chief executive Matt Cowley said.

“Our long-term population growth trend continues through Covid and economic slowdowns.”

The survey said that 56% of the SME owners and operators surveyed in the Bay of Plenty were optimistic about their future.

In the Bay of Plenty, 45% of business operators expect their revenue to increase over the next 12 months, 44% anticipate it will stay the same, and 10% predict a decline, the survey said.

Hatch Consulting expects a gradual recovery in the construction sector over the next 12 months, owner and director Jo Hatchman said.

After playing a key role in revitalising the Tauranga CBD waterfront, Hatch Consulting, a quantity surveying firm, is gearing up for a strong financial year in the Bay of Plenty and beyond.

The firm has enjoyed contributing to transforming the Tauranga waterfront, director and owner Jo Hatchman said.

“Seeing the community embrace the new facilities has been incredibly rewarding. These projects bring confidence, not just visually, but economically, signalling positive momentum and investment in our city.”

Currently involved in several major projects at the planning stage, the firm sees strong opportunities on the horizon, both locally and across the wider region.

“We’re excited about the year ahead,” Hatchman said. “There’s growing interest in projects across the country, and we’re ready to support that next wave of construction activity.”

The firm expects a gradual recovery in the construction sector over the next 12 months, underpinned by ongoing growth in the industrial space and emerging commercial opportunities.

While the broader industry faces challenges, the medium-term outlook remains positive.

The industrial sector is remarkably resilient, buoyed by sustained energy, utilities, and infrastructure investment.

“We’re proud to be part of the momentum reshaping how New Zealand builds,” Hatchman added.

The past week has been rocky, as the Trump tariffs have impacted the global supply chains that Hatch Consulting uses.

Tauranga Business Chamber chief executive Matt Cowley. Photo / Mead Norton

Cowley said that Trump’s tariffs will impact small and medium businesses in various ways.

“Costs may be lower on some imported products due to the oversupply of products no longer heading to the US and the lower US dollar.”

Ready2roll owners Carleen Dahya, Alan Dahya with team members Sarah Grondsma and Helen Walmsley.

Global supply chains do not affect Rotorua-based Ready2Roll Tours and transfers, but fluctuating fuel prices do.

Despite challenges with fuel prices, Ready2Roll Tours and Transfer are already securing bookings for next year, director Carleen Dahya said.

“It’s nice to know there’s a demand for what we offer.”

The business opened seven years ago and had to pivot after two years in operation due to Covid, Dahya said.

Ready2Roll shifted to working with Rotorua Hospital, transporting them to Hamilton five days a week.

“That’s been a huge lifesaver for us,” she said.

In our latest Chamber poll, the community identified revenue, managing costs, and reviewing strategies as the main priorities for businesses this year, Cowley said.

“Uncertainty is not great for businesses, but uncertainty can bring opportunities for breakthroughs and disruption.”