Clusters
Toi-EDA is involved with a number of business clusters where people in similar industries work collectively to improve their industry sector opportunities. Some of the clusters have been running for a number of years while others are more recent.
Whakatane Charter Fishing Cluster
The Whakatane Charter Fishing Cluster has been in existence for 10 years. During that time a huge amount of trust and co-operation has built up amongst operators and the cluster has been very effective in lobbying for changes around harbour matters. Whakatane District Council regularly consults with the cluster on harbour issues and the Harbour Master is an active member. The Ministry of Fisheries has also used the cluster as a vehicle for consultation.
The fishing cluster has two key goals:
1. That fishing from Whakatane is an enjoyable experience -code of contact
2. That Whakatane charter operators are leaders in the preservation of fish stock in order to maintain a sustainable fishery - voluntary catch limits.
In 2008 extremely concerned about the activities of purse seiners Whakatane Fishing Cluster organised a meeting of all BOP fishing clubs, commercial fishing industry and MFish to try and get some agreement on preserving fish stocks. It was a large well attended meeting and a working group was set up with representatives from all parties to try and resolve issues.
The cluster has been involved in a number of joint marketing activities including a brochure of operators and attending a trade show. Current cluster leader is Kim Woolsey (Mazarine)
Eastern Bay of Plenty Tourism Operators
An Eastern Bay of Plenty tourism strategy was developed in 2008 with representatives from the three districts. Two very successful tourism conferences have been held with a focus on training and networking. Toi-EDA has tresponsiblity for marketing the region so works closely with operators.
The Murupara Tourism cluster has now become the Te Urewera Rain Forest Route an incorporated society who are successfully promoting the road from Rainbow Mountain to Wairoa as a touring route.
EBOP Food and Beverage Cluster
In September 2009 Toi-EDA hosted the first meeting of the EBOP Food and Beverage cluster. An excellent turnout of businesses enjoyed the chance to meet with other small "foodie" businesses. A workshop run by Mary Hermanson looked at the advantages and barriers to forming a cluster and what the participants wanted their sector to be in ten years time. There was a unanimous decision to form a cluster and the group have been meeting bimonthly. Under the chairmanship of Barney Gray the group has developed strong bonds, an intersting programme of speakers and are combining with Creative Eastbay to develop a creative and food trail brochure.
HR Cluster
This is a group of HR mangers from the larger companies that meet occasionally to discuss HR matters. Toi-EDA sees this network as being important in retaining aattracting professional people.
