Opinion: Building a Thriving City Through Partnership!

Opinion Piece: Stronger Together: Building a Thriving City Through Partnership!

Pip Thompson – General Manager Napier City Business Inc

Key partnerships and relationships are the lifeblood of any bustling, thriving city. In Napier, this couldn’t be more true. Our ability to create a vibrant, welcoming city for both locals and visitors relies on collaboration, trust, and a shared vision for success. Today, I want to shout out to two of our most valued partners—Napier Port and Hawke’s Bay Airport Ltd. These two gateways carry visitors to our region, delivering people directly to our doorstep and opening opportunities for connection, commerce, and community.

These partnerships aren’t just transactional; they’re built on trust, mutual goals, and a commitment to showcasing everything Napier and Hawke’s Bay have to offer. Working alongside both organisations gives us the chance to plan, collaborate, and ensure that every visitor’s experience is memorable from the moment they arrive—whether by air or sea.

On Monday morning, I had the privilege of heading out on the Napier Port pilot boat to greet two of the three cruise ships that visited our city that day. It was an incredible experience and one I don’t take for granted. Many people have asked how I managed to secure a seat on the pilot boat, as this is not something open to the public—for very good reasons, like health and safety. After completing the necessary health and safety inductions, I was trusted to join the crew. This experience wasn’t just a stroke of luck; it was made possible because of the strong, professional relationship we’ve fostered with Napier Port.

Partnerships like these allow us to take our city’s vibrancy to the next level. The Port and the Airport are crucial in bringing people here, but once they’re on our streets, it’s over to us—the local businesses, retailers, and hospitality operators—to make them feel welcome. We all have a role to play in ensuring our visitors leave with great memories and the desire to return.

When visitors are here, let’s be present. Be curious. Invite them in. A smile, a friendly conversation, or offering help can make all the difference. Together, we can continue to build a city that thrives on connection, partnership, and genuine hospitality.

And above all, let’s embrace every visitor who makes the deliberate choice to walk through our doors. Treat them as your most valuable customer—because in many ways, they are. Without these visitors, our city could look very different.

Their presence brings energy, life, and opportunity to our streets. Let’s give them every reason to come back again and again.