A Brief History
Kawerau Enterprise Agency (KEA) was established on 14 March 1985. It’s mission was to stimulate new business in Kawerau following a reduction in labour at the various Kawerau Mills.
Graham Ogilvie, of Tasman Pulp & Paper Co, saw the model of Enterprise Agencies backed by corporates, when he’d visited Britain and he raised the idea of a similar model being set up for the Kawerau District. A steering committee was formed to develop the this idea further. The committee included Graham, along with Ron Wells, Ron Hardie, Bill Lockyer, Allan Baker, Bev Adlam, Frank Duxfield and Lyn Hartley. Although not part of the start-up team, Allen Mayo and Alison Beer from Tasman Lumbar were key contributors in the early stages and they became key to KEA's continuation within a few years.
KEA has been involved in many projects since its inception including:
The subdivision and the creation of the KEA Industrial Park on Paora St.
Contributing resources and finance to the Putauaki Industrial Land Study.
Being a founding member and financially contributing towards the start-up of Industrial Symbiosis Kawerau, (ISK).
Being heavily involved, alongside the Kawerau District Council, in marketing Kawerau.
Attracting a new ‘green’ industry to Kawerau - building a 1000m2 warehouse and office complex to house this new venture. This recent project will be a plant capable of destroying harmful refrigerant gases and will have the net effect of reducing NZ greenhouse gas emissions by 2.5% per year.
They continue to work towards bringing further long-term investment and job opportunities into the Kawerau district
Who we are:
Kawerau Enterprise Agency is a not-for-profit Incorporated Society. We are self-funded through revenue from the rental of our commercial building assets. KEA INC fosters thriving businesses and community, through working collaboratively with businesses, the Kawerau District Council and the local community.
Old photos of the KEA Centre on Onslow St, Kawerau
Old photos of the KEA Industrial Park, Kawerau
The Teams Driving KEA Forward
Kawerau Enterprise Agency Office Team
Kevin Power
General Manager
KEA General Manager, Kevin is no stranger to running businesses. After 18 years running a magazine publishing and advertising company, he joined KEA in 2021. Passionate about the benefits of running businesses in Kawerau, his creative business brain thinks outside the square.
”I get great pleasure in seeing businesses thrive in Kawerau and enjoying the vibe we’ve got here at the KEA Centre.”
Kimberley Herewini
Accounts Administrator
Kimberley manages the accounts and keeps the office running smoothly. With an infectious laugh and bubbly personality, she keeps the spirit of the office positive.
Caroline Hale
Operations Coordinator
Caroline’s smiling face will often greet you at reception. She manages day-to-day goings on with tenants, organises room bookings as well as many other vital administrative roles. She also manages KEA’s online presence.
Carol Kohi
Cleaner
Carol, our superstar cleaner, arrives early each working day. She takes great pride in her work and it shows! She opens the place up, giving it a positive vibe and a sense of warmth and friendliness.
Kawerau Enterprise Agency Board
Colin Reid
KEA Board Chair
KEA Chair, Colin Reid, has lived in Kawerau for over 33 years. He owns two Kawerau businesses employing four locals. He has been on the Board of KEA since 2009
“I believe KEA is a great asset to Kawerau as they’re able to support those running or wanting to start their own business in Kawerau”
Lester Murfitt
Board Member
Lester Murfitt and his family have lived in Kawerau since 2003. His career has spanned from various engineering and management roles at Carter Holt Harvey Tissue (now Essity), more recently as General Manager at Allied Industrial Engineering. He is currently self-employed. His drive to keep jobs in our community aligns with KEA's purpose.
Steve Monk
Board Member
Born and raised in Kawerau, Steve Monk began his career at Tasman Pulp and Paper in the late 1970s, where he worked until the paper machine was shut down and the operation was sold. He continues to live in Kawerau, maintaining strong ties to the community where he’s spent my life. Steve is currently employed by a local firm.
Carolyn Ion
Board Member
Growing up in Kawerau, raising a family with Michael and staying deeply involved with the community, KEA has been part of Carolyn Ion’s community commitments since 2008.
”As an In-Kind Board Director, I'm proud to be part of a team of like minded people who care about our town. Together we support local businesses, encourage growth and govern towards positive social outcomes through genuine care and connection.
Kevin Mackey
Board Member
Kevin Mackey was born and raised in Kawerau and has worked here since 1999. We spent 22-years with Norske Skog Newsprint Mill and the last three years at Mainstream Engineering, (next to the KEA Industrial Estate). Outside of work he is a coach at the Whakatane Judo Club and also enjoys biking.
”I joined the KEA board two years ago, to be able to support the good work KEA does for the Kawerau community.