An Eastern Bay of Plenty campaign aims to help local businesses get back on their feet after a double blow to the local economy following the Whakaari/White Island eruption and COVID-19.

The Discover Our Local Campaign is the brainchild of Whakatane District Council, Eastern Bay of Plenty (EBOP) Chamber of Commerce, EPIC Whakatane Town Centre retail group and Radio 1XX. Seeing the need to work together to create a stronger, cohesive message, the group hopes other organisations across the region will get on board and share the love for local.

EBOP Chamber of Commerce Chair Karl Gradon says eastern bay communities need to get behind their local businesses and understand the benefits to all in doing so.

"Not only have we lost our international visitor market, but due to the COVID-19 crisis, we are now at zero visitor spend.  So, it’s absolutely up to locals to keep local businesses afloat. If we do not shop local, these businesses will not survive and we will no longer have a thriving economy, social wellbeing and a vibrant place to live.

“Whakatane, Opotiki and Kawerau District Councils are on board with the campaign and we hope other organisations will help spread the word." he says.

The Discover Our Local tagline was decided on to highlight what you might be surprised to find at local stores and realise there is no need to shop elsewhere. Mr Gradon says it’s not just about shopping local but discovering some great things along the way.

It also aligns with Whakatane District Council’s tourism strategy to support economic recovery for the District. A portion of the organisation’s tourism marketing budget has been redirected to the Discover Our Local campaign.

Whakatane District Council Tourism and Events Manager Nicola Burgess says sharing the shop local message to visitors is an important part of achieving economic recovery.

"Retail accounts for the biggest visitor spend in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, so it's important to have visitors shopping here again when the domestic tourism market re-opens.

"We want visitors to discover our local too - the best of what we have to offer and that personal connection to the people behind the business. It's about extending the warm welcome we're known for, alongside the great experiences and places of our region," she says.

Discover Our Local marketing collateral will be shared with key stakeholders across the eastern bay. This sits alongside a marketing campaign via social media, local radio, email and outdoor media.
As part of the campaign, local businesses are encouraged to record a short video of themselves to share to potential customers. This gives locals an insight to the people behind local businesses and allows a different way to connect with customers while stores are temporarily closed. A quick 'how to' guide for producing videos and access to marketing collateral is available by contacting info@ebopchamber.co.nz.