The Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce’s Leaders Circle.
Members pointed to supply challenges, costs and concerns about transitioning to sustainable energy sources.
In August 2024, Pan Pac paused its pulp mill operation for two weeks because the wholesale electricity price spiked to $800 a megawatt hour, making it unviable to operate the mill.
This week, Wattie’s New Zealand managing director Andrew Donegan said a 300% increase in gas prices over seven years, and energy roughly doubling in the same timeframe, were factors behind its decision to close several factories across the country.
In response to the closures, Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum said the region needed to identify how to support affordable, reliable energy to strengthen the region’s food sector and build a resilient economy.
Chamber of Commerce chief executive Karla Lee said the feedback showed the need for a regional conversation about energy.
“The cost, the risk and the uncertainty are real, and leaders are looking for clarity on what comes next.”
The summit would explore options such as improving energy efficiency, making better use of existing resources, and considering solar, bio-energy and broader infrastructure changes.
Lee said the event would be the starting point for a wider conversation on developing a regional energy strategy.
An exact date and location for the summit is yet to be announced.
Interested businesses can register for the summit at the Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce’s website.