Business case studies and stories in our region
The Waikato is full of innovative leaders and businesses, read about them here.
-
-and-scott-granville-(right).jpg?sfvrsn=d27a1bb0_1&mode=crop&width=1200&height=720&format=jpeg&quality=85 "Ben Woollen (left) and Scott Granville (right)")
Chasing Time English: Leading Global EdTech Innovation from the Waikato
For Chasing Time English, they couldn’t imagine a better place to produce their world leading English Language Learning TV drama style series than here in the Waikato. From script to screen to learner, Chasing Time English’s engaging content library is produced by the Waikato company’s long serving in-house team.
Read more -
ŌKU: Nurturing Sustainable Innovation
When ŌKU's story began there was a notable absence of New Zealand native herbs in the natural health products market. Founders Scott Smith and Helen Smith (Tapuika, Ngai Te Rangi) recognised this gap and embarked on producing their own original blends and products.
-
First Watch
First Watch’s Waikato story started when Bob Stokes co-founded CTEK with a vision to revolutionize the industrial automation industry. With over 35 years of experience in the IT, automation, and control sectors, he saw firsthand the critical role that technology plays in driving business success.
-
Rüdi’s Bakery
Something exciting is coming to the food scene in Hamilton. Rüdi’s, a micro-bakery which specialises in sourdough bread and artisan pastry will open the doors to its first permanent flagship bakery and retail space this winter.
-
Duck Island
Duck Island, the ice cream that originated as an item on the dessert menu at an award-winning Hamilton restaurant, has made a name for itself on the national food stage.
-
Fieldays
New Zealand’s National Fieldays is an annual agricultural event that takes place in the Waikato region. The four-day event is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, attracting around 130,000 visitors annually.
-
The Ōtorohanga Livestock Carrier making moo-ves on social media to attract fresh talent
The Ōtorohanga Transport Ltd Group began in 1963 when the Barker and Dow families formed Otorohanga Transport Ltd (OTL). Jim and Bev Barker, and Dennis and Cynthia Dow, developed the business and collaborated with other local carriers servicing the livestock cartage market.
-
.jpg?sfvrsn=ccc42053_1&mode=crop&width=770&height=462&format=jpeg&quality=85 "EC8 Team Pic - Christopher Staal (Right)")
Hamilton technology to automate measuring and cutting of plasterboard a ‘world first’
A Hamilton startup, EC8, has created a world first in the building industry by developing automation technology to measure and cut plasterboard.
-
Ngāruawāhia studio helps agriculture businesses design better customer experiences
Emma Campbell founded Bo Studio in 2022, working with agri-businesses to create digital and service-based experiences on 120 acres in Ngāruawāhia.
-
Smart Waikato
Young people need education and support to develop connections with employers and transition into careers. What’s at stake? Their chance of advancing to better-paid jobs throughout their career, which will have an impact on their overall wellbeing.
-
Saito
Saito is one of the largest 100% New Zealand owned label and tag businesses in the country, providing their products and services across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
-
AgriSea
Paeroa-based AgriSea is a family-owned business pioneering the sustainable use of seaweed to make a range of products for the health of soil, animals, and people. Clare and Tane Bradley, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Innovation Officer respectively, are the second generation to run the company which has been in operation for more than 25 years.