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DWC is seeking more volunteers to act as mentors for small business owners in the region as part of its wider partnership with the New Zealand Business Mentors programme.
DWC Business Services Manager, Fiona Hill, says the work is rewarding and even a small amount of support can make a huge different to someone who is new to the business world.
“You just have to look at the success of the organisations highlighted in the Leading Light Awards to see what we can achieve on the West Coast by supporting each other.
As a former business owner Fiona has a keen understanding of the challenges involved. “We aren’t necessarily looking for someone with 40 years of experience behind them, just people who have the understanding of how small business works, have empathy for small business owners and are able to communicate and win the confidence of others”.
“Our mentors are experienced, successful business people who know what it feels like to be in business. They act as a sounding board and share their knowledge and expertise oneon-one — it really can make all the difference for someone”.
To find out more about how you can help to inspire others, phone Fiona on 03 769 7023 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also find out more at www.businessmentors.org.nz.
Mokihinui–Lyell Backcountry Trust – The Old Ghost Road Project has been named the supreme winner of the 2016 West Coast Leading Light Business Excellence Awards at last night’s gala event at the West Coast Events Centre (Shantytown Heritage Park).
The tourism experience has been operating since December and has provided a uniquely West Coast experience for hundreds of visitors to the region.
As a tourism provider, the Old Ghost Road delivers a combination of heritage, wilderness and accessibility to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful landscapes. It was the work that went into enabling that opportunity secured the Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust top prize at last night’s prestigious awards.
Chief judge Stephen Caunter says in choosing the Super Nova Award recipient he was looking for an entry that was concise, to the point and a good fit for the competition guidelines. "Ultimately The Old Ghost Road Project stood out from the crowd and ticked all the boxes for me," he said.
Development West Coast chief executive Chris Mackenzie says the calibre of all entrants was high – but that was to be expected. ‘We live in a progressive and unique region, our local business and industry has always had to been innovative and flexible. I am proud of the input my team at DWC has to support the growth and successes of our West Coast business community, and I would like to congratulate all of those who have been part of this prestigious event for their efforts."
The full list of winners is:
NZME Newstalk ZB Small Enterprise
Mark Jones Collision Repairs
Crombie Lockwood Medium Enterprise
Cuffs Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors
Duncan Cotterill Large Enterprise
WestReef Services Ltd
Westland Milk Products Not for Profit
Mokihinui–Lyell Backcountry Trust – The Old Ghost Road Project
Christchurch Airport Tourism & Hospitality
Underworld Adventures Ltd
ACC Workplace Safety Award
Robert Caldana Builders Ltd
Design Windows West Coast Ltd
Department of Conservation Environment Award
Landcorp Buller
Development West Coast Rising Star Award
Coleraine Motel
Greymouth Star Super Nova Award
Mokihinui–Lyell Backcountry Trust – The Old Ghost Road Project
Businesses looking for a helping hand with new ventures are encouraged to approach Development West Coast as a first point of contact, says the organisation’s new Business Services Manager, Fiona Hill.
Fiona has recently taken on the role and is looking forward to working with organisations that have ideas about growing their business but may not know how to progress them.
“In particular I’m keen to talk to businesses that are open to seeking support from either DWC or another external organisation,” Fiona says.
“Often taking the first step is the hardest but DWC is here to help as a sounding board. I’m keen to make sure local businesses know there is support and guidance on hand, even if it is just to have an initial conversation about an idea.”
As the Business Services Manager, Fiona looks after the Regional Business Partner Programme for the West Coast Region. This is a funding network that opens businesses up to assistance through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and Callaghan Innovation, as well as support from the Business Mentors New Zealand Mentoring Programme. Linking West Coast businesses with this support is one of the many services DWC offers, with an aim of providing local industry with as much opportunity as possible.
Fiona is no stranger to the challenge of owning a small to medium business on the West Coast, and she says her own business experience has been an excellent training ground for understanding business needs in our communities.
“I am excited by the opportunity my new role gives me to support and help facilitate local businesses to build capability, grow and achieve their strategic goals.”
To contact Fiona Hill call 03 769 7023 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Westport youth organisation, West Coast Founders Trust, won the admiration of DWC chief executive, Chris Mackenzie, during a recent fundraising dinner, and he says he hopes the two groups can work closely together in the future.
West Coast Founders Trust is a not-for-profit group which focuses on youth-led community initiatives, and it was the beneficiary of the fundraising efforts from the recent Community Fusion dinner in Westport.
Speaking at the dinner, Mr Mackenzie said he was heartened to see a group like West Coast Founders Trust working hard to create opportunities for the region’s young people, and was also impressed by the work of the Westport REAP youth team in getting the ten groups of youth together for the showcase.
He says the missions of both the Trust and DWC are similar – to create opportunities for the community – and therefore working together in the future could be hugely beneficial for everyone.
You can read more about the West Coast Founders Trust here http://founderstrust.wix.com/westport
Photo courtesy of Roxanne Rose Photography
DWC’s investments had a strong start to the financial year with April and May’s equity returns equalling the full year’s budget. The net surplus to the end of May was $2.5m above the budget for the period. However, preliminary results for June show that the strong NZ dollar has reversed many of these gains.
The audit of the DWC’s 2016 annual accounts is almost complete and the Annual Report will be released at the Annual Public Meeting, which will take place in Hokitika at 7pm on 30 August 2016.