Enterprise Coast: A Regional Economic and Tourism Development Agency

This was the official website of Enterprise Coast, a regional economic and tourism development agency dedicated to facilitating business and tourism advice, training and strategic opportunities in Horowhenua and Kapiti Region.
Content is from the site's archived pages.

Welcome to Nature Coast Enterprise

Nature Coast Enterprise is the Economic Development Agency and Regional Tourism Organisation serving the Nature Coast region (Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua districts). We work with Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua District Councils', many businesses, tourism operators, iwi, community organisations and government agencies - locally and nationwide. We have close working links with other economic development agencies. And although our surroundings are idyllic, we also nuture a growing need for enterprise technology. There are several startups who call our locale home, including some experts in fields like DevOps - a brand new discipline where code development and testing occur simultaneously, making for more accurate and faster project completion. One such service is RTSlabs.com. A devops consultant can feel a home here and service a clientele several thousand miles away due to the advent of the internet. Big data thrives in Kapiti!

Our Region

Known as the Nature Coast for good reason, the Kapiti-Horowhenua region offers a stunning natural environment on the lower west coast of the North Island, where the mountains meet the sea. Kilometres of unspoilt beaches, forest walks and a hinterland that is rich in both Maori and European history.

Nature Coast is blessed with superb natural assets, treasured historical heritage and a thriving cultural life, all within easy reach of New Zealand's capital city Wellington, which is an approximately 50-minute drive to the south. Bounded by the Tasman Sea to the west and the bush-clad Tararua Ranges to the east, the Nature Coast concentrates a wide range of visitor attractions and facilities in a compact, highly accessible area.

The mild climate and rich soils of Nature Coast provide ideal conditions for the production of a diverse array of quality food products, which in turn, has seen the development of a lively and imaginative dining out scene. The region is renowned for many specialist foods and beverages, including chocolates, wines, liqueurs, gourmet sausages, confectionary, and of course, some of its most famous exports - cheeses and icecream.

Ideally located so close to a major city operating as a key transport hub, Nature Coast Kapiti-Horowhenua can offer all essential services and sophisticated facilities but at the same time also provides a wealth of quintessential New Zealand experiences from the simple pleasures of a walk along a pristine beach to experiencing life in classic, Kiwi small towns.

Life Time

The Nature Coast is where you can truly live the life you want. It's a place for idyllic Kiwi childhoods; sustainable living options; landscapes to play, challenge yourself and unwind in; airport and other infrastructure development; and a community atmosphere not found on city streets. There's space here to create your own work from your passions, as well as being close to city life - the best of both paces. The coffee's great, the arts are thriving, and the produce is fresh - It's Coast Time.

Click on the links below to read the inspiring stories of successful businesses that have chosen the Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua to base themselves

Don't hesitate to contact us to find out how we can help you make the dream of a Nature Coast lifestyle, a reality!

Innovation Time
Businesses innovate here: Companies in the textile industry worked together to successfully win a bid to create uniforms for the last Olympic Games athletes. Many businesses consistently win national awards, especially in architecture, food and wine, art, and tourism. Some are small, working from their garden or sea view home/office. Others are medium to large and have international exporting brands. To be innovative you first need the space and time to realise your ideas. The Nature Coast provides a lifestyle that supports this. And the organisation, Nature Coast Enterprise, provides excellent business training and networking opportunities. When you purchase products you may be shaking the hand of the person that planted the seed or churned the cheese.

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Networking and Events
Nature Coast Enterprise facilitates a variety of industry networking and events for business.

Networking is all out making connections

When you think about networking, think about making lasting connections and relationships.

It is critical that businesses are well connected and one way of achieving this is by attending networking functions that align with you and your business. Tips for networking and making lasting connections include:

1. Add value, be clear about your objectives and show credibility to others first.
2. Know your elevator pitch to showcase your business and passion.
3. Dress and act appropriately as first impressions do count.
4. Take a good supply of business cards.
5. Be able to make small talk to start a conversation.
6. Remember to add value and give consistently before you receive.
7. Always be polite and respectful to others.
8. Broaden your view to add value to the entire network of others.
9. Move on from a network if it does not suit your objectives or personality.
10. Always follow-up, under promise and over deliver.

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Business Training
Nature Coast Enterprise provides a variety of training opportunities for Kapiti-Horowhenua business. Identifying your training needs and then attending the right training will develop your skills and competencies that will in-turn assist the growth and development of your business.
Useful training information on our web site includes:

The Enterprise Training Programme
An online business assessment tool
The Nature Coast Enterprise training calendar
Other training available to business

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Business Services

Nature Coast Enterprise as the local Economic Development Agency is a conduit to information, resources and advice for Kapiti-Horowhenua businesses.

We foster projects and initiatives which are employment rich. As well as this, we promote the interests of business to local, regional, national and international agencies and organisations. Often, our services range from one-on-one client profiles to facilitating access to the area and to other forms of assistance. We make every endeavour to develop, attract, maintain and encourage sustainable well being and business prosperity in the Kapiti-Horowhenua region.

Tips for Business in Challenging Economic Times

The Business Development Team at Nature Coast Enterprise suggest, that difficult times can be a marketing opportunity for any business and therefore encourage businesses to focus on doing their core business well. The team provides the following tips for these times:

Think of cash flow as the single most important factor for your business and review often (weekly and at least monthly). Act immediately if cash flow stalls - remember, "Cash is king". Have a good relationship with your Chartered Accountant, prepare annual budgets, sales forecasts and cash flow reports and understand your breakeven sales to cover costs.

Keep your debtors in-check with nothing over 30 days and maintain aged debtor reports and be tough yet polite when chasing your money. Invoice quickly and make sure your customers know your payment terms and offer them a variety of ways to pay. Be wary when offering credit at this time as you are not a bank.

Tighten your belt and control your costs rather than cutting your costs and be wary of destructive price discounting - move old stock by discounting. Compare your costs to budget and review your overheads and expenses line by line - trim where you can with a focus on the top spending items and consider cashing-up non-essential assets. Consider carefully before adding new product and service lines that could add to your costs yet not to your bottom line profitability. Maintain good inventory reports and operate "just in time" practices according to customer demand to keep production and stock at modest levels.

Manage your banking relationships carefully so your banker has a clear picture of your business. Negotiate your preferred banking terms so your debt management is effective. If you need to borrow consider the type of loan to ensure interest obligations are kept in-check.

Keep talking to your existing customers and the wider market so they know your business point of difference. Do not stop your marketing as this may loose customers to your competitors. Grade your customers with the aim of 80% of revenue coming from 20% of clients. Always delight your best customers with exceptional service and they will tell others. Maintain a database of your customers and keep in-touch with them.

Seek expert advice to keep you in-touch with economic indicators and thinking. Be constantly aware of risks and opportunities to your business so network more as contacts are even more important in tough times. Keeping your skills and knowledge up-to-date is also critical to business development and growth.

Work smarter not harder and be strategic about your approach to software, systems and processes within your business. Planning within your business is critical - always maintain a business plan (see Nature Coast Enterprise for a template) to keep you on-track.

Keep your best staff and let go of others if they are not doing the job well. Use quality recruitment processes and make sure all staff have contracts and job descriptions. Training is critical along with reviewing and rewarding their performance. Always keep your staff in the communication loop.

Review your business insurance needs as in the event of a crisis this could impact on your Cash Flow - remember, "Cash is king"!

Bringing your business through difficult times can strengthen and ensure sustainability in the long term. You will have a more robust business if you focus on the basics or fundamentals of your business.

Keep in-touch with Nature Coast Enterprise as your local economic development agency - we are here to help. We maintain a database and communicate with businesses on a regular basis so contact us to be added at any time,

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Members Zone
Enterprise Kapiti Horowhenua Incorporated trading as Nature Coast Enterprise is a membership based organisation. We welcome enquiries from interested businesses and individuals to join our organisation and encourage you to consider becoming a member.

There are a range of benefits and opportunities available to members of Nature Coast Enterprise.

Reasons to be a member of Nature Coast Enterprise include:

Stimulatingspeakers and business networking opportunities at the monthly Paraparaumu and Levin Electra Business Breakfast series.
Attend other members only business networking functions throughout the year.
Membership discount at chargable networking events.
A membership certificate to display.
Vote and have your say on all Constitutional matters.
Business web site listing.
Priority consultation with a Business Development Manager, up to five hours free use of the Lindale and Levin meeting rooms and discounted by 50% thereafter, 50% discount on Certificates of Origin and access to branding collateral (Tier 2 membership and above).
Participation in the domestic branding campaign, priority brochure placement in local Visitor Information Centres' and on the Nature Coast Tourism web site and ability to pay your membership fee over four months (Tier 3 & 4 membership only)

More Background on EnterpriseCoastNZ.com

EnterpriseCoastNZ.com served as the digital presence for a regional economic and tourism development agency in New Zealand, with a focus on the Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua districts. This article offers a detailed exploration of the website and its broader context, covering ownership, history, goals, services, reputation, and its significance within the local and national landscape.

Ownership and Organizational Structure

EnterpriseCoastNZ.com represented an entity commonly known as "Nature Coast Enterprise," which operated as the economic development agency and regional tourism organization for the Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua districts in New Zealand. The agency functioned as a membership-based incorporated society, often referred to as "Enterprise Kapiti Horowhenua Incorporated" in public records and business directories. Its governance typically involved a board comprising local business and civic leaders, with close ties to regional councils and local government agencies.

The agency’s structure was designed to facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders, including local businesses, tourism operators, iwi (Māori tribal organizations), community groups, and governmental bodies. This collaborative approach aimed to foster sustainable economic growth and promote the unique cultural and natural assets of the region.

Location and Proximity

The Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua districts are situated on the lower west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. This region is renowned for its scenic beauty, stretching from the bush-clad Tararua Ranges in the east to the Tasman Sea in the west. The area is approximately a 50-minute drive north of Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, making it highly accessible for both domestic and international visitors.

Key towns in the region include Paraparaumu, Levin, Otaki, Waikanae, and Foxton. The proximity to Wellington, a major urban and transportation hub, enhances the region’s appeal for both business and tourism, allowing for easy day trips and weekend getaways.

History and Evolution

Nature Coast Enterprise, as represented by EnterpriseCoastNZ.com, emerged in the early 2000s as part of a broader movement across New Zealand to establish regional economic development agencies. These organizations were tasked with supporting local businesses, promoting tourism, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance regional prosperity.

The agency’s name, "Nature Coast," reflects the region’s branding as a destination defined by its natural landscapes, rich biodiversity, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Over the years, the organization expanded its mandate to include business training, networking events, and advocacy on behalf of local enterprises.

Nature Coast Enterprise played a pivotal role in shaping the economic narrative of the Kapiti-Horowhenua region, positioning it as a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable place to live, work, and visit.

Goals and Mission

The primary mission of EnterpriseCoastNZ.com was to foster economic development and tourism in the Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua districts. Its stated goals included:

Supporting Local Businesses: Providing advice, training, and resources to help businesses grow and adapt to changing market conditions.
Promoting Tourism: Showcasing the region’s natural, cultural, and historical attractions to attract visitors from New Zealand and abroad.
Facilitating Strategic Opportunities: Connecting businesses with government agencies, investors, and other partners to drive innovation and job creation.
Advocacy and Representation: Acting as a voice for the local business community in discussions with policymakers and stakeholders at all levels.

The agency’s approach emphasized sustainability, community engagement, and the celebration of both Māori and European heritage.

Services and Offerings

EnterpriseCoastNZ.com provided a wide range of services to its members and the broader community, including:

Business Training and Workshops: Regular seminars, workshops, and training programs designed to enhance business skills, financial management, marketing, and digital literacy.
Networking Events: Monthly business breakfasts, industry mixers, and special events aimed at fostering connections and collaboration among local entrepreneurs.
Tourism Promotion: Marketing campaigns, visitor guides, and support for tourism operators to boost the region’s profile as a travel destination.
Advisory Services: One-on-one consultations with business development managers, assistance with business planning, and guidance on accessing funding and grants.
Membership Benefits: Exclusive access to events, discounted services, priority listings in regional directories, and opportunities to participate in branding and marketing initiatives.

These services were designed to create a supportive ecosystem for both established businesses and startups, with a particular focus on innovation and sustainable development.

Menus and Specific Offerings

While the agency itself did not operate a restaurant or café, the region it promoted is known for its vibrant food scene. The Kapiti-Horowhenua area boasts numerous eateries, artisan food producers, and farmers’ markets, offering a diverse array of local specialties such as cheeses, ice cream, gourmet sausages, wines, and chocolates.

EnterpriseCoastNZ.com regularly featured profiles of local food businesses and highlighted culinary events, contributing to the region’s reputation as a destination for food lovers.

Awards and Recognition

The Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua districts have received multiple accolades for their tourism offerings, environmental stewardship, and community initiatives. Local businesses supported by Nature Coast Enterprise have won national awards in areas such as architecture, food and beverage production, and tourism innovation.

The agency itself was recognized for its role in fostering economic resilience and promoting sustainable tourism, particularly in the wake of challenges such as the global financial crisis and natural disasters.

Audience and Reach

EnterpriseCoastNZ.com targeted a diverse audience, including:

Local Businesses: From small family-run enterprises to larger exporters, the agency provided tailored support to help businesses succeed.
Tourists and Visitors: The website served as a gateway for travelers seeking information on attractions, accommodations, and activities in the region.
Investors and Entrepreneurs: By showcasing the region’s strengths and opportunities, the agency aimed to attract new investment and entrepreneurial talent.
Community Members: Residents were encouraged to participate in events, training, and community development projects.

The website’s content was designed to be accessible and engaging, with resources available for both newcomers and long-time residents.

Cultural and Social Significance

The Kapiti-Horowhenua region holds significant cultural value, with a rich tapestry of Māori and European history. The agency worked closely with iwi to ensure that tourism and economic development initiatives respected and celebrated Māori heritage, language, and traditions.

Community events, arts festivals, and historical commemorations were regularly promoted through the website, reinforcing the region’s identity as a place where culture and nature intersect.

Press and Media Coverage

Nature Coast Enterprise and its initiatives were frequently covered in local and national media. Press reports highlighted the agency’s role in:

Supporting business recovery after economic downturns.
Advocating for infrastructure improvements, such as transport links and digital connectivity.
Promoting the region as a destination for eco-tourism and sustainable living.
Facilitating major events, such as food and wine festivals, art exhibitions, and sporting competitions.

The agency’s leadership was often quoted in news articles discussing regional economic trends, tourism statistics, and policy developments.

Reputation and Reviews

Feedback from businesses and community members was generally positive, with many praising the agency’s commitment to personalized service, practical advice, and community engagement. Testimonials frequently mentioned the value of networking events, the quality of training programs, and the agency’s responsiveness to local needs.

Tourism operators credited the agency with helping to boost visitor numbers and extend the region’s appeal beyond traditional markets. However, as with any public-facing organization, there were occasional criticisms regarding resource allocation and the balance between business and tourism priorities.

Examples and Impact

Several case studies illustrate the agency’s impact:

Textile Industry Collaboration: Local textile companies, with support from the agency, successfully bid to produce uniforms for New Zealand’s Olympic athletes, showcasing the region’s manufacturing capabilities.
Startup Support: The agency provided mentorship and networking opportunities for tech startups, contributing to the growth of a small but dynamic innovation sector.
Sustainable Tourism Initiatives: Partnerships with environmental groups and iwi led to the development of eco-friendly tourism experiences, such as guided nature walks and cultural tours.

These examples underscore the agency’s role as a catalyst for economic and social development.

Details and Insights

Membership Model: The agency operated on a tiered membership system, offering different levels of benefits and engagement based on the needs of individual businesses.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with local councils, central government, and industry groups was central to the agency’s success.
Digital Transformation: The website played a key role in disseminating information, promoting events, and connecting stakeholders, reflecting the growing importance of digital channels in regional development.

EnterpriseCoastNZ.com was more than just a website; it was the digital face of a dynamic regional agency dedicated to advancing the economic and cultural vitality of the Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua districts. Through its comprehensive suite of services, collaborative approach, and commitment to sustainability, the agency left a lasting legacy in the region. Its work continues to inspire similar initiatives across New Zealand, demonstrating the power of community-driven development in a rapidly changing world.

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