City of Design
City of Design is an early-stage opportunity to invest in a city stepping onto the world stage. As New Zealand’s only UNESCO City of Design, Whanganui is moving from recognition to execution.
Our investment portfolio
Whanganui sits at the intersection of agility and scale. We’re small enough to move quickly - testing ideas, building relationships, and progressing projects without friction - yet strong enough to support growth.
Consider Whanganui for your investment
If you’re seeking opportunities that combine commercial strength with long-term intent, or advising others on where to deploy capital, Whanganui offers a compelling proposition.
Explore below, or speak with us about how investment in Whanganui can help grow businesses and strengthen the district.
Our Investment Portfolio
If you’re seeking opportunities that combine commercial strength with long-term intent, or advising others on where to deploy capital, Whanganui offers a compelling proposition.
$3b+
$3 billion worth of projects underway and ready for investment
10
Tailored guidance, delivered locally
42
Small to large businesses engaged through workshops and development programs.
our team
Collaboration is our operating system
Opportunities grow with discovery and an understanding of how to shape them, this is where we come in.
We can support businesses, investors and communities by giving direction for opportunities and relationships that form a path of growth.
Tim Easton
Team Lead
Tim heads up the team at Whanganui & Partners helping deliver a coordinated programme of work across all sectors and stakeholders.
Emma Bugden
Creative Industries
Emma works directly with artists and creative workers to make Whanganui a place where creatives thrive.
Eilish Horrocks
Market Development
Eilish works to position Whanganui as a compelling investment destination, developing targeted strategies to attract the right investment and drive sustainable growth across the district.
Rach Hoskin
Education & Technology
Rach works closely with education providers and industry to make sure that the right training and educational opportunities are available to build the skills that our economy needs.
Suz Hepi
Regional Growth
Suz works with iwi, business, and industry partners to deliver projects that support regional growth across Ruapehu.
Colleen Ervine
Agribusiness
Colleen works with agribusiness stakeholders to develop strategies and initiatives that will develop our region into a food and fibre powerhouse.
Tim Easton
Team Lead
Tim heads up the team at Whanganui & Partners helping deliver a coordinated programme of work across all sectors and stakeholders.
Emma Bugden
Creative Industries
Emma works directly with artists and creative workers to make Whanganui a place where creatives thrive.
Eilish Horrocks
Market Development
Eilish works to position Whanganui as a compelling investment destination, developing targeted strategies to attract the right investment and drive sustainable growth across the district.
Rach Hoskin
Education & Technology
Rach works closely with education providers and industry to make sure that the right training and educational opportunities are available to build the skills that our economy needs.
Suz Hepi
Regional Growth
Suz works with iwi, business, and industry partners to deliver projects that support regional growth across Ruapehu.
Colleen Ervine
Agribusiness
Colleen works with agribusiness stakeholders to develop strategies and initiatives that will develop our region into a food and fibre powerhouse.