Well, it rained... But as Lord Fulivai, Governor of Vava’u, said in Tonga, this is considered a blessing.
The formal opening of the second stage of Newnham Park, and also the formal opening of our Te Puna Studio, was a great event. It formally opened the new building which houses Locus Research and the new Heilala Vanilla headquarters and production facility.
The day started building with guests arriving from lunch onward with the crowd really building after 2:30pm. Closer to 3pm the weather decided it had other plans and we beat a hasty retreat to the large marquee at the rear of the building. It made for a great atmosphere for the speeches from our visiting dignitaries.
MC Bruce Fraser led the opening of the event and handed off to one of the key figures in Newnham Park, Rob Jeffrey. Rob delivered a wonderful snapshot of his drivers behind creating Newnham Park and the aspirations for the future. He then handed off to Steve Saunders of Plus Group (who appropriately just jetted in from talking to Taiwanese Venture Capitalists); he recounted the importance of our primary sector, food, technology, and the huge opportunity that exists for the Bay of Plenty.
Bruce dipped in and then passed the torch to Norman Evans from Callaghan Innovation who expressed Callaghan's real excitement about what is happening in the Bay around innovation.
Next up was our Regional Mayor Ross Patterson who caught a few laughs recounting back on the somewhat challenging consent process for the first stage of Newnham Park. He effused about the region, its growth, and the importance of things like Newnham Park to the region and the value it provides.
Lord Fulivai then took the podium, and talked about the importance of collaboration and family to him, and the development of the relationships they have had with Heilala Vanilla and beyond. His talk was poignant and reiterated the core values of those that established the park.
Our local man, Hon Tony Ryall, then took centre stage and immediately had everyone in stiches. A few classic quips softened the crowd before he moved on to more serious discussions about the event and the wider national importance of innovation.
The speeches were finished by Gwenda Merriman (Newnham Park Director and Deputy Mayor) gifting some items from Locus and Heilala to the dignitaries.
Everyone was then encouraged to visit all those onsite and see what they are doing from the super cool Plus Robotics through to Kiwifruitz and Southern Produce as well as a first chance to see the Heilala production plant and new Locus Research studio.
This was then capped off with fabulous Moa Beer, some vanilla treats, and Mills Reef wines. We are very appreciative of everyone who made the effort to come out, especially those from further afield, our dignitaries, and the Tongan Delegation.
Now the cork's opened, time to get on with the business of getting things done!
