Celebrating success in Nelson Tasman Q1 2019
Posted on Thursday 18 April 2019
Pic’s Peanut Butter World
The grand ‘star’ doors of Pic’s Peanut Butter World opened to peanut butter lovers from near and far on 23 February 2019.
Pic’s Peanut Butter World is a purpose-built attraction for locals and visitors to Nelson Tasman. The 3500m² building houses a generous 500m² foyer featuring an attention-grabbing spiral staircase and public café, offices, and tour mezzanine overlooking the working factory. Visitors can see Pic’s Peanut Butter being made from specially constructed viewing platforms, learn more about owner Pic Picot’s journey and even make their own peanut butter.
Peanut Butter World is Pic Picot’s way of thanking the Nelson Tasman community for the support it has given him, his product, and fifty employees during the 11 years the company has been in business to date.
The opening attracted thousands of people keen to see Pic’s up close, and generated lots of media coverage, including TV1 News coverage, a segment on Seven Sharp, and features in international media. In the seven weeks that Pic’s Peanut Butter World has been open, more than 4200 people have been on a tour of the factory, which is 20 percent of Pic’s total 2018 visitors in just under two months!
Chia Sisters
Nelson Tasman business Chia Sisters has had a couple of great successes lately, including the announcement that the company is a finalist in this year’s SheEO top five ventures and will receive a share of up to $300,000 of a crowd-funded interest-free loan to help expand their business. The award follows co-owner Florence Van Dyke’s inclusion in the Forbes Asia 30 Under-30 List, which highlights young entrepreneurs who have made their mark on their respective industries.
Digital company on growth path in Nelson
Shuttlerock, a company that creates data-driven mobile-optimized ads for Facebook and Instagram at scale, has moved its global head office into the top story of the former Nelson Mail building in Nelson's Bridge Street this month.
Its founder and CEO Jonny Hendrickson says being based in regional New Zealand and doing business around the world has been a “dream” of his.
“We’ve always said that, as a tech company, we can operate anywhere and what better place to live in New Zealand than Nelson.”
Jonny founded Shuttlerock in 2011 and it shot to prominence in 2016 when his company won the Global Innovation Spotlight Awards, a worldwide tech competition. Only three per cent of its income comes from New Zealand, with Asian, European and Americans companies its biggest clients.
Three Nelson Tasman finalists in 100% Pure New Zealand Experience Awards
Congratulations to Wilsons Abel Tasman, Abel Tasman Kayaks and Owen River Lodge who have been named finalists in Qualmark and Tourism New Zealand’s inaugural 100% Pure New Zealand Experience Awards.
These awards celebrate the best of New Zealand’s visitor experience offerings and recognise tourism operators for their outstanding commitments to the three award criteria of Manaakitanga, Tiaki and Whānau. The awards are not just about business excellence, they’re about recognising businesses enriching New Zealand while providing an exceptional visitor experience. This includes those who are delivering hospitality through true connections, showing care for people and place, and providing a warm welcome to our visitors.
Over 100 entries were received for the awards, which is only open to Qualmark Gold-accredited operators. The 2019 winners will be announced by tourism minister Kelvin Davis at parliament on 1 May.
Nelson Tasman hosts Tourism New Zealand Board
The Nelson Regional Development Agency was delighted to secure an opportunity to host the Tourism New Zealand Board and Executive Management team in our region last week. With many regions around the country constantly vying for the Board's attention, we were thrilled to showcase Nelson Tasman to such an influential group of visitors.
This was our region's first chance to host the Board in more than 10 years and the feedback was 100% positive. Participants reflected that they enjoyed the relaxed nature of the region and the hospitality afforded to them during their visit.
The group stayed at the Grand Mecure Nelson Monaco, spent time with Wine, Art & Wilderness , Waka Abel Tasman and Wilsons Abel Tasman, including a cruise, walk and lunch at Torrent Bay Lodge, followed by an evening meal at Harbour Light Bistro with key industry players from the region.
