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Bay of Plenty Business News Year Book 2023

The 2023 Sustainability Edition will be the 5th annual edition of Year Book. With forewords from business leaders championing business sustainability operations across AIR | LAND | SEA, this edition is not to be missed. Published by BOP Business Publications.

The 2023 Sustainability Edition will be the 5th annual edition of Year Book. With forewords from business leaders championing business sustainability operations across AIR | LAND | SEA, this edition is not to be missed. Published by BOP Business Publications.

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BE BOLD<br />

when you tell your story<br />

BY DAVID DOWNS<br />

CEO, New Zealand Story<br />

THERE’S NO DOUBT<br />

<strong>2023</strong> HAS been a tough<br />

year for many. After<br />

putting Covid-19 largely<br />

behind us – reaping<br />

the rewards <strong>of</strong> our<br />

borders reopening and<br />

businesses getting back on their feet –<br />

we’re facing a new set <strong>of</strong> challenges.<br />

Marked by floods, weather impacts, and<br />

tougher economic conditions, the postpandemic<br />

road has been bumpy, but<br />

there is cause for optimism.<br />

This year has emphasised that<br />

sustainability is neither a ‘nice to have’<br />

nor an ‘add-on’. The North Island<br />

weather events in particular claimed<br />

lives, destroyed homes, flattened<br />

businesses, and pushed inflation.<br />

Embracing sustainability and taking<br />

action not only sets us up for long-term<br />

success, but it shows the world what we<br />

stand for.<br />

But our influence extends beyond this.<br />

Aotearoa New Zealand businesses have<br />

earned international acclaim for their<br />

transparency and integrity. We’re one<br />

<strong>of</strong> the easiest places in the world to do<br />

business, and we have products and<br />

brands that are universally respected.<br />

This is crucial because global consumer<br />

sentiment is shifting, and the demand<br />

for trusted products is rising. Now is the<br />

time to capitalise on this – and with help<br />

from the FernMark Licence Programme,<br />

the world can see value in doing<br />

business with Aotearoa New Zealand.<br />

The FernMark represents the story <strong>of</strong><br />

who we are and where we’re from<br />

– our New Zealand Story. More than<br />

500 businesses now bear the symbol<br />

on their products, helping them thrive<br />

in key export markets. And because<br />

consumers are refocusing on what<br />

value means to them, we must seize this<br />

opportunity and rise to the occasion.<br />

Be bold when you tell your story. Show<br />

the world what your company stands for<br />

and discuss your broader impact and<br />

purpose.<br />

Climate change, nature preservation,<br />

and ethical behaviour are no longer<br />

optional conversations; they are<br />

essential. The businesses that take<br />

decisive action in the short term will<br />

position themselves for long-term<br />

success.<br />

That’s where Aotearoa New Zealand’s<br />

brand comes in – and when coupled<br />

with sustainability, this presents an<br />

incredible opportunity.<br />

By wholeheartedly embracing<br />

sustainable practices, businesses can<br />

harness the strength and credibility <strong>of</strong><br />

our national identity. It is not enough<br />

to merely pay lip service – actions<br />

must align with our commitment to<br />

environmental stewardship and the<br />

broader well-being <strong>of</strong> our planet.<br />

New Zealand is a formidable force in<br />

the areas <strong>of</strong> air, land and sea. We are<br />

the kaitiaki <strong>of</strong> six percent <strong>of</strong> the global<br />

airspace, and Aotearoa has an Exclusive<br />

Economic Zone (EEZ) <strong>of</strong> four million<br />

square kilometres – the fourth largest in<br />

the world. We are a true superpower.<br />

DAVID DOWNS<br />

8 | YEAR BOOK <strong>2023</strong>

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