Tuned into the future: Could the next Fast 50 success story come from the Bay? - Business News
There’s something special happening in the Bay of Plenty, and it’s not just the kiwifruit industry. From horticulture, agriculture and forestry to logistics, construction, manufacturing, tourism, technology, healthcare, property and professional services, the Bay has a diverse economy. Across these sectors, businesses are spotting opportunities, challenging established thinking and building organisations whose impact reaches wellRead More
There’s something special happening in the Bay of Plenty, and it’s not just the kiwifruit industry. From horticulture, agriculture and forestry to logistics, construction, manufacturing, tourism, technology, healthcare, property and professional services, the Bay has a diverse economy. Across these sectors, businesses are spotting opportunities, challenging established thinking and building organisations whose impact reaches well beyond the region. That entrepreneurial energy is exactly what the Deloitte Fast 50 celebrates. Now in its 26th year, the programme recognises New Zealand’s fastest-growing businesses and the people behind them. This year’s theme, “Tuned into the future”, celebrates businesses that listen closely to their customers and markets, recognise the signals that matter, and act when opportunity appears. The programme has a rich history. Fast 50 alumni include some of New Zealand’s most recognisable growth stories, including Trade Me, 2degrees, 42 Below, Delivereasy and Legend Story Studios. Each began with ambition and the determination to grow. The next name to join that legacy could come from right here in the Bay of Plenty. Our region is already making itself heard. In 2024, Mount Maunganui’s Rice Rice Baby placed 45th nationally after achieving 118% revenue growth and was named the Central North Island’s Fastest Growing Retail or Consumer Products Business. Tauranga-based Hiko Electrical Services followed at number 48 with 114% growth. Pinnacles Civil was also recognised as the Central North Island’s Fastest Growing Services Business. The momentum continued in 2025, when four Bay businesses secured places on the national index. Flicket ranked 15th with 234% growth and won the regional technology award. Kiwi Artisan placed 18th with 204% growth and received the regional food and beverage award. Tiny Pools ranked 43rd with 130% growth and claimed the regional manufacturing award, while Collab Realty placed 48th with 122% growth. These businesses operate in different markets, but their stories share familiar qualities: a deep understanding of the customer, the courage to do things differently, strong teams and the discipline to turn good ideas into sustainable growth. They prove a business can be based in the Bay and still build a national or international market. Fast 50 is about more than rankings. It is an opportunity to celebrate your team, share your story, raise your profile and connect with ambitious business leaders. Entries close on Friday 28 August 2026. Regional winners and qualifiers will be announced on 14 October, followed by the national celebration on 12 November. If your business is growing strongly, this is your moment. If another Bay business comes to mind, share this article and encourage them to enter. Our region has the ambition and talent. Let’s make sure New Zealand hears about it. Ready to put your growth story on the national stage? Enter now atfast50. co. nz. Deloitte fast50