Focus on Business

Hastings District Council, in partnership with the Hastings City Business Association, invite  you to Focus on Business to hear from Brad Olsen, Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infometrics.

As we step into 2025 with cautious optimism, the brighter economic outlook has been chilled by increased global uncertainty, as Trump tariffs raise concerns about further inflationary pressures and global trading activity. Here at home, the economy is still shifting gears after a tough few years, amid a mix of trends. The primary sector starts in a robust position, but is threatened by slower trading conditions, and households are refixing onto lower interest rates, which will support spending. But still-high unemployment and caution from businesses means the recovery outlook is still uncertain.

To help make sense of it all, Brad will provide an insightful and locally relevant overview of what’s driving the economy in 2025, and what it means for Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, and New Zealand more broadly.

 In an era where certainty is elusive, and resilience is vital, this is your chance to hear first-hand how businesses and communities can position themselves for the future.

Speaker: Brad Olsen, Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infometrics
Date: Wednesday 4 June 2025
Time: 7.00am, speaker commences at 7.30am
Venue: Functions on Hastings, Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre, Hastings
Tickets: $45 per head or $325 for a table of 8, booking fees apply (includes buffet breakfast)

Book your tickets now.