Vanilla’s global expansion From a Tauranga father’s love of Tonga has grown a global vanilla enterprise putting the Bay of Plenty on the international business map. Heilala Vanilla in Te Puna is today officially opening its expanded premises, with Bay of Plenty MP Tony Ryall and Tonga’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sangster Saulala attending. Co-founder Jennifer Boggiss says the expansion, which doubles their production capability, has been three years in the making. The company, which currently exports to seven countries, was one of the first to move to Tauranga’s purpose-built horticulture innovation business hub, The Newnham Park Innovation Centre, when it opened in 2010. But it quickly outgrew its site. “With this expansion, we believe we now have the biggest pure vanilla extraction production facility in Australasia,” says Jennifer. She says the new, larger facility means Heilala can boost production and develop new products. Heilala grows its vanilla on the Tongan islands of Vava’u along with a group of vanilla growers from Tonga. The venture began in 2002 after a cyclone tore through the northern islands of Tonga. “My father had fallen in love with the
Heilala Vanilla director and co-founder, Jennifer Boggiss. island, and after the cyclone he partnered with one of the villages and developed a vanilla farm.” Jennifer says vanilla goes through cycles, and after peaking in the late 1980s fell into a slump. “In the early 2000s it started rebuilding again, and in 2005 my father had his first crop. “We brought the vanilla beans here, back to Tauranga, and we showed them to some chefs and they thought it was the best vanilla they had ever seen.”
Heilala Vanilla’s first year of operation was 2008. Jennifer estimates they employ 25 Tongan workers on their primary vanilla farm during peak season. “Our capacity has increased, so now we partner with a number of other growers and they in turn will be hiring other workers.” A record harvest of 4.5 tonnes was shipped to Tauranga last year. The company’s expanded premises will be officially opened today at 2.30pm. By Corrie Taylor
Glengyle Knitwear has been synonymous with high quality knitwear for over 60 years! Now for a limited time Glengyle Knitwear is available at Ebony Boutique Tauranga 7th - 25th May
Ebony Boutique
$2K cow dump returns
E E
4 4 nga nga nz nz
9
The Weekend Sun
Bethlehem School’s annual Cow Dump and Gala returns this weekend with another chance for visitors to win $2000 from a lucky cow pat. On Sunday, May 25, from 11am-2pm families can enjoy a stack of fun activities, auctions and raffles. The annual cow dump sees one cow placed in a gridded field. Tickets correspond to grids on the field, and the person holding the ticket to the square the cow poos in first, wins the prize money. PTA member Kerry Bisset-Larsen says the White Elephant stall will be opening from 10.30am this year due to popularity last year. There are fantastic silent auction items up for grabs and raffles, says Kerry, as well as rides and exciting games, a book and CD sale, and many delicious food stalls. Cow Dump tickets can be purchased from the school office on the day of the gala.
FOR MONTH OF MAY FOR MONTH OF MAY
Free afternoon of music
An afternoon of gospel music is on offer for residents with David Cantwell and the renowned Bay of Plenty Men’s Choir. The choir, which has presented in New Zealand and Australian, will perform a gospel musical on Sunday, May 25, at St Peters Presbyterian Church from 2.30pm-4pm. Admission is free, and an offering will be taken for Gideon Bibles. Phone John on 07 544 3999 for more information.
FREE
The weather’s been amazing in Tauranga this autumn. Mum’s new house is going to be right by the beach! We can’t wait until she moves in to enjoy long walks and ending the day with a glass of wine on her sunny deck... It’s one of the reasons Freedom Villages loves being based at Papamoa Beach – the summers start earlier and end later, and even in the winter residents are still able to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. If you would like to find out more about the future of lifestyle living in New Zealand visit our showhomes today. For more information call 0800 OVER 50 (0800 68 37 50) or visit www.freedomvillages.co.nz | 61 Golden Sands Drive, Papamoa East Find us on Facebook at Freedom Villages
FOR MONTH OF MAY
straight-up flooring people. straight-up flooring people.
call us on (07) 578 2 2 14
Wishing you were here!
13 Devonport Road Tauranga