Hawke’s Bay Businesses Show Signs Of Resilience, But Revenue Outlook Softens As Energy Concerns Grow

The Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce’s April 2026 Business Confidence Survey shows a mixed picture for the region’s business community. Current confidence and recent business performance improved since the previous survey, but revenue expectations for the next six months have weakened.

The survey received 117 responses from Hawke’s Bay businesses across a range of sectors, pointing to both resilience and ongoing pressure.

Compared with October 2025, businesses reported stronger confidence in Hawke’s Bay. The proportion rating current business confidence as positive rose from 18.4% to 23.9%, while business performance over the past six months also improved. The share of businesses reporting performance above expectations increased from 14.4% to 22.2%, while those reporting below expectations declined from 37.6% to 31.6%.

At the same time, the forward outlook is more cautious. The proportion of businesses expecting revenue to increase over the next six months fell from 43.2% to 35.0%, while those expecting revenue to decline rose from 16.8% to 27.4%.

Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Karla Lee said the results reflect a business community that is adapting but remains cautious about what lies ahead.

“There are encouraging signs that some businesses are feeling more stable than they were late last year. But the drop in revenue expectations tells us caution is still very real across the region.

“Businesses are navigating a difficult mix of softer demand, rising costs and ongoing uncertainty. That affects confidence, investment decisions and the ability to plan ahead.”

The survey found the top pressures on businesses were consumer demand and market confidence (59.8%), fuel costs and shortages (37.6%), and inflationary pressure (37.6%).

Energy also emerged as a clear priority for business support. Respondents identified the most useful areas for discussion and guidance as planning for future electricity demand, energy affordability, understanding energy options, practical case studies from Hawke’s Bay businesses, and managing energy use and efficiency.

For businesses with direct fossil fuel exposure, energy transition remains a significant operational and financial issue. Energy prices, gas availability and reliability, equipment replacement timing, and access to capital were all identified as major factors influencing business decisions.

Ms Lee said the survey sends a strong message that businesses need practical, commercially grounded support.

“Businesses need practical help to understand their options, what infrastructure will be available, what connection timeframes look like, and how to manage affordability.

“If we want businesses to invest with confidence, we need clearer pathways, better information and a stronger focus on the real-world challenges they are facing now.”

These themes will help shape discussion at the Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce Energy Summit on 9 June 2026 at Toitoi in Hastings. The summit will focus on the region’s energy future, including affordability, resilience, infrastructure readiness, business transition needs, and the practical steps needed to support growth.

The Chamber says the survey results reinforce the importance of coordinated support for business in areas that influence productivity, investment confidence, and long-term regional resilience.

© Scoop Media