After more than a decade helping shape events, tourism initiatives and community engagement across Ōpōtiki, Joseph Hayes is embarking on a new chapter – one that remains firmly rooted in the community he has long served.

After a multitude of roles at the Ōpōtiki District Council, Hayes has launched his own consultancy business, J Hayes Aspire Ltd, bringing together the diverse range of skills and experience he has developed through years of working alongside community groups, businesses, visitors and organisations in the Eastern Bay.

While rumours have circulated that Hayes may have stepped away from the workforce, he is quick to set the record straight.

“I didn’t retire, and I definitely didn’t win Lotto. I’m still working just as hard as ever – probably harder – but I’m enjoying the variety, the flexibility, and the opportunity to work on projects that make a difference to our communities,” Hayes said.

After leaving his role with the council last year, Hayes established J Hayes Aspire to continue supporting organisations and communities through project management, events, tourism, engagement and business development work.

“I’m still very much here, still working, and still involved in the community. The difference is that these days I have a little more flexibility to work across a range of projects and organisations that I’m passionate about,” Hayes said.

During his almost 14 years with the council, he held a variety of roles, beginning as events, isite and parks officer in 2012 before progressing through tourism and management positions. Most recently he worked as experience and engagement manager, leading the council’s events, tourism and community engagement team.

Throughout that time, he became closely associated with many of the district’s major events, visitor initiatives and community programmes, often working behind the scenes to support organisers, secure funding, co-ordinate logistics and help showcase Ōpōtiki to visitors and locals alike.

His work regularly brought him into contact with community organisations, schools, businesses and regional stakeholders, helping establish the extensive network of relationships that continue to underpin his work today.

Over the past year, Hayes has contributed to a wide range of projects across the region.

“Over the past year I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects including the Ōpōtiki Lantern Festival, the NZ Open GLTA Whakatāne international tennis tournament, tourism initiatives, community engagement programmes and business development projects. More recently I’ve been leading the Ōpōtiki Rising engagement series on behalf of Ōpōtiki District Council,” Hayes said.

The broad scope of work reflects the philosophy behind his new venture.

“At its heart, J Hayes Aspire is about helping good ideas become reality, connecting people with opportunities, and supporting projects that create positive outcomes for our communities,” Hayes said.

Away from his professional roles, Hayes has also built a reputation for getting involved in community causes. Many will remember his appearance in the Life Education Trust Dancing for Life Education competition several years ago, where local personalities traded their day jobs for dancing shoes to help raise funds for the charity’s work with young people.

“I’ve always enjoyed bringing people together, whether that’s through events, tourism, education, business development or community engagement. J Hayes Aspire gives me the opportunity to do more of that across a range of different projects,” Hayes said.

Alongside his consultancy work, Hayes continues to support Eastern Bridge Education, helping connect people with educational opportunities and fostering relationships with partners in China.

“I’m particularly interested in growing opportunities that support workforce development, employer-led training, international connections and pathways that help local people and businesses thrive,” Hayes said.

Looking ahead, Hayes sees significant opportunities to strengthen connections both within New Zealand and internationally.

“One of the things I’m excited about is continuing to build relationships locally, nationally and internationally, and helping create opportunities that benefit both our communities and our businesses.”

For Hayes, the move into self-employment has been less about stepping back and more about creating new opportunities to contribute.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be doing work that I genuinely enjoy. Every day is different, and whether it’s delivering an event, facilitating community conversations, supporting tourism, working with businesses, or building international relationships, I enjoy being able to contribute in a practical way,” he said.

As J Hayes Aspire continues to grow, one thing is clear: despite the rumours, Joseph Hayes has no intention of slowing down.

In his own words, he is “not retired. Just rebranded.”