Media Release
3rd September 2015
North Canterbury’s first Business Centre opening November 2015
Enterprise North Canterbury (ENC) has unveiled concept plans for the new Business
Centre set to open in Kaiapoi, November 2015.
The Business Centre will offer all North Canterbury businesses a one-stop shop for
everything from business advice and support, to district promotions and the use of
the Business Centre’s exceptional facilities. The Business Centre will also see ENC’s
whole team including Kaiapoi i-SITE and Visit Waimakariri co-located under one roof
for the first time in its existence.
“This is a huge milestone for ENC. For the first time since its establishment in 2002
ENC are in a position to create this space for North Canterbury businesses,” said
Nick Harris, Chair of ENC.
Harris adds, “ENC have built up reserves over the last 12 years to fund the set up costs
without any additional cost to rate payers. ENC have also been successful in securing
sponsorship to make this move a reality. The move will mean greater benefits at no
added cost.”
Waimakariri District Mayor, David Ayers, believes the new Business Centre will
provide a catalyst for further economic development in North Canterbury, especially
Kaiapoi.
“There will be further benefits to the regeneration of Kaiapoi’s town centre by siting
ENC’s new Business Centre in the heart of the town. The proposed location makes it
close to the motorway, and the new building is able to incorporate both the i-SITE
Visitor Centre and the Business Centre into one purpose built space”, said Mr Ayers.
Post-earthquake, business in Kaiapoi is certainly in a new phase of growth.
Councillor Neville Atkinson, who holds the Council’s Rangiora and Kaiapoi Town
Centres portfolio, agrees that the timing of ENC Business Centre’s establishment in
Kaiapoi couldn’t be better.
Mr Atkinson said, “Revitalisation of Kaiapoi is well underway with more to come.
Development to date includes the Blackwells Department Store, Coffee Culture and
Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre. The addition of the ENC Business Centre is really
going to complement what is already on offer and contribute to the growth of
Kaiapoi”.
Local developer of PLC House Ltd, Jedd Pearce, is leading the Business Centre
development and construction. Mr Pearce said, "We are very happy to work
alongside a progressive organisation like ENC, and support their vision of enhancing
the business community. The new building is near the river, which is the heart of the
town. This is exciting for ENC and Kaiapoi's future, and we are proud to be part of
it."
A collaborative effort from across the business community pledging both financial
sponsorship and services has brought this initiative to fruition.
MainPower is one of many sponsors* that have pledged support as Corporate
Sponsor. MainPower, Chief Executive Officer Bruce Emson said North Canterbury is
a great place to do business and the centre will highlight opportunities available for
economic development.
“As an essential service provider and community-owned company, MainPower is
committed to supporting initiatives that will see the communities of North Canterbury
prosper. Our ongoing partnership with Enterprise North Canterbury is evidence of
this commitment and our determination to take a leadership role in the region by
supporting the growth and diversity of the local economy”
Mr Emson adds, “We want to make North Canterbury a great place in which to do
business. The establishment of a dedicated Business Centre is a sign of renewed
confidence in the region and enhances North Canterbury’s capacity to support longterm economic growth,” said Mr Emson.
What’s on offer at the new ENC Business Centre?
 A 50 seat boardroom offering state-of-the-art digital conferencing that
includes audio and visual technology, 18 seat board table
 2 separate 6 seat meeting rooms and work spaces for casual use for small
and/or rural businesses and their staff/client meetings
 Access to ultrafast broadband with free data for business use
 Easy online booking to hire spaces
New programmes and events include:
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Free monthly ‘Business Health Checks’
North Canterbury Business Mentors NZ based in the facility for coaching and
mentoring sessions
Breakfast events with Health and Safety, Inland Revenue, Immigration,
Department of Labour and WINZ legislation
Relevant ‘Lunch and Learns’
Taster sessions for other training organisations
Facilities for private functions
Attached: x 3 images and FAQs.
-EndsAbout Enterprise North Canterbury
Enterprise North Canterbury (ENC) was established by the Waimakariri and Hurunui
District Councils in 2002 to promote economic development in North Canterbury.
ENC works alongside businesses to develop an innovative and prosperous region.
The organisation supports economic growth by providing businesses with access to
networking, training and professional advice. ENC is committed to supporting and
growing existing businesses while attracting new businesses to North Canterbury.
For more information contact:
Heather Warwick
CEO
Enterprise North Canterbury
heather@enterprisenc.co.nz
027 2535350
Images
Caption 1: Artist’s impression of the new ENC Business Centre
Caption 2: Jedd Pearce and Mark Revis (PLC Developments), Nick Harris (Chair of
ENC) and Heather Warwick (CEO of ENC) outside the site of the new ENC Business
Centre
Caption 3: Jedd Pearce and Mark Revis (PLC Developments), Nick Harris (Chair of
ENC) and Heather Warwick (CEO of ENC) outside the site of the new ENC Business
Centre