Waikato Business News and Bay of Plenty Business News
Strong regional confidence is being tested by mounting global uncertainty, and the conflict involving Iran is casting a shadow over what had been shaping as an economic comeback.
Bay of Plenty Business News May 2026
The latest Waikato Business News leads with Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman’s Waikato visit, where she reinforced the importance of looking beyond national averages to understand what is happening on the ground. Her visits with manufacturers, hospitality operators and Waipā farmers highlighted regions balancing rising costs with continued investment and adaptation.
The front-page lead in Bay of Plenty Business News reports that a major business confidence survey of Western Bay of Plenty firms – completed just days before the outbreak of the conflict – showed businesses entering the year with optimism, solid fundamentals and a willingness to invest.
More than three-quarters of respondents were confident about their own prospects and the local economy. Confidence in regional conditions outstripped views of the national outlook. But escalating global tensions, supply chain risk and energy price volatility are clouding that picture.
Waikato Business News May 2026
A strong theme of resilience runs across both papers. Hamilton’s first youth council in seven years was welcomed as a sign of civic renewal.
Productivity, responsible use of AI and leadership anchored in learning feature prominently, from Morgan Clearkin’s work at KPMG to stories of lifelong learners and sector leaders embracing change.
There is also reflection, with tributes marking the contribution of the late Waipā mayor and Waikato Regional Council chair Alan Livingston and a farewell to Waikato advertising stalwart Judy Coulter as she steps into retirement.
Rounding out both editions are the popular Out and About pages, capturing business breakfasts, award nights, community events and familiar faces spotted across the region – proof that even in uncertain times, people are still turning up, connecting and getting on with it.
The two business publications are part of Good Local Media’s stable which also includes community and farming newspapers in King Country, Te Awamutu and Cambridge.
Waikato Business News and Bay of Plenty Business News
