HB Trades Together - Continued Enthusiasm for Collaborating to Keep Local Jobs Local

February 2026 Update

In continued partnership with the Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce and alongside Lattey Group Ltd and Atkin Construction, MCLStead was pleased to support the second HB Trades Together event; a networking breakfast catered by Mates4Life on Wednesday 18 February.

HB Trades Together is a new industry-led initiative for the region’s construction, civil and skilled trades sector to strengthen collaboration and support local businesses. HB Trades Together was established late last year in response to feedback from the sector about the need for greater visibility of upcoming work, improved access to opportunities, and stronger collaboration between local businesses.

Since establishment of HB Trades Together the Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce has been engaging with local councils and mayors to improve communication around upcoming projects and help ensure businesses have better visibility of and access to future opportunities.

During the networking breakfast a call to action was offered to attending local businesses to have an active role in HB Trades Together through:

• Tackling the current pressures facing tradies

• Connecting people to solutions that already exist

• Building stronger networks and trusted relationships

• Lifting skills in pitching and tendering

• Creating influence at a higher level for better industry outcomes

• Building a sustainable pipeline for the next generation

HB Trades Together - What's Next?

The next phase of the initiative will be Shifting Gears, a trades forum to be held at the Elwood Function Centre in Hastings on 23 April 2026.

The event will feature speakers including Sir Graham Henry, who will share insights on leadership and building high-performing teams, and wellbeing advocate Tai Tupou, who will focus on supporting wellbeing across the trades sector.

HB Trades Together - How can you get involved?

Watch for upcoming Chamber communications or reach out to their team. You can subscribe to the Chamber’s newsletter via this link https://www.hbchamber.nz/subscribe.