Connecting Business, Growing Potential, Advancing Success
Business Whanganui is the leading independent business association in the Whanganui region and an Accredited Member of the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce network. We champion the interests of local businesses, ensuring your voice is heard at local, regional, and national levels.
We provide support, learning, networking, and promotional opportunities to help businesses of all sizes, ages, and stages connect, grow and advance. Our community is vibrant, dynamic, creative, and well-connected—a place where businesses thrive through collaboration and shared success.
Join us and be part of a stronger, smarter business future.
Business Voice : Whanganui Business Confidence Survey
NOW OPEN
Business Voice, the Business Confidence Survey for Whanganui – June 2025 snapshot – is now live.
We invite Whanganui Business Owners and Leaders to take a few minutes to complete the survey and help us tell the story of business in our region right now.
Your insights directly shape the support and learning opportunities we offer, and guide how we advocate for the needs of Whanganui business — both locally and at a national level.
Survey responses are confidential. Thank you for being part of this important conversation and helping to shape the future of business in our region.
Upcoming Learning & Events
BOOK NOW
🚀Business After 5
Speed Networking for Members
Thursday 26 June, 5.30pm
The Burrow Cellars, Taupo Quay, Whanganui
No charge – Buy your own drinks
Business Whanganui Members – are you looking to make valuable connections fast? Join us for an exciting Business Speed Networking Event, where you’ll meet like-minded professionals, expand your network, and spark new opportunities—all in a dynamic, high-energy setting!
Bring your business cards, your best pitch, and get ready to connect! Spaces are limited—register now to secure your spot.
Post-Budget Briefing for Business
Hon Chris Bishop MP
Friday 4 July 2025, 12.00-1.15pm
Sarjeant Gallery, 4 Pukenamu Drive, Whanganui
Member $35+ | Non-Member $50+
Join us for a special Post-Budget Briefing with Hon Chris Bishop MP. Hear firsthand insights into the 2025 Budget and what it means for business, infrastructure, and regional development, followed by a Q&A session. At the conclusion of the Minister’s session, you are invited stay on for a stand-up finger food lunch and the opportunity to connect with fellow business and community leaders. Don’t miss this important discussion on the future direction of our economy.
Booking essential. Fee applies.
In the Loop: Business Whanganui Community News
Success Through Partnership: Wendy Johns’ Journey of Lifelong Learning and Achievement
Wendy Johns’ inspiring return to study at UCOL Whanganui, 18 years after first leaving, is a powerful example of perseverance, passion, and purpose. Balancing family life and a busy career, Wendy not only completed the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Accounting), but also earned top honours as the recipient of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand UCOL Top Prize Student Award.
Wendy’s success highlights the real-world impact of the partnership between Business Whanganui, UCOL, and the business community—demonstrating how collaboration can support personal growth, build business capability, and strengthen our regional economy. Read more….
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Good Business
Planning as a Mindset
We often think of planning as something we do — writing lists, creating schedules, filling in calendars. But truly effective planning goes deeper. It’s not just an action; it’s a mindset. It’s a way of thinking about the future with intention, preparation, and adaptability…Read more
Skills
Create a Pitch for your Business
An elevator pitch is a concise and compelling statement that describes who you are, what you do, and why you do it. It’s called an “elevator pitch” because it should be short enough to be delivered during a brief elevator ride. Maybe in New Zealand we could call it a “lift pitch”, but it doesn’t have quite the same appeal… read more
Latest
Our Vision, Values and Purpose
Learn more about us, what we believe, and how we serve the Business Whanganui community by taking a moment to read through our Vision, Values and Purpose statement below and our Four Strategic Pillars – the areas of focus that underpin our delivery…. read more
Be Part of Business Whanganui
We host a range networking and learning events to help you to be more widely known, connected, informed, inspired, and more successful in your business.
From our biennial regional business awards, business for breakfast or lunch and after 5 gatherings, factory tours, just-for-fun events, thought leader guest speakers, and learning sessions, we’re sure you’ll find something to interest you.
We also have promotional opportunities for you to raise awareness of your business, products, services, and the value you deliver to your customers, including hosting a Business Whanganui networking event.
It’s not just who you know in business, it’s who knows you. Contact us to find out more.
