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. World-class design cities are built on infrastructure, talent and ideas, and this is the moment those foundations are being shaped.

Early investment can influence how the city grows, from catalytic infrastructure and education to creative enterprise and placemaking. Whanganui & Partners helps investors get in early, connect with the right partners and help shape what comes next.

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

DESIGN TECH

TOURISM

Opportunities within City of Design

Hotel Development

A city-centre, design-driven hotel tailored to Whanganui’s growing visitor economy and UNESCO City of Design status. This opportunity addresses identified market gaps in quality accommodation for cultural tourism, business travel and events.

Whanganui City of Design - Design School

The re-establishment of the premier Design School in Whanganui presents an opportunity to develop a globally connected, design-led education institution leveraging Whanganui’s UNESCO City of Design status. This initiative positions investors to participate in rebuilding a high-value export education platform capable of strengthening the city’s creative economy while generating sustained economic impact through domestic and international student attraction.

Royal Whanganui Opera House

A landmark redevelopment of the Royal Whanganui Opera House to transform New Zealand’s last fully timber Victorian opera house into a compliant, fly-tower-enabled performing arts destination. The project unlocks higher-value touring productions, expanded hospitality revenue and increased visitor spend. Strengthening Whanganui’s position as a design-led cultural centre.

City of Design is an early-stage opportunity to invest in a city stepping onto the world stage, be part of the story moving Whanganui from recognition to execution.

$16.7m

Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery delivered an estimated $16.7m economic boost in its first year, attracting 131,613 visitors

$1.1b

Annual manufacturing exports

In the world designated a UNESCO City of Design

$191.8m

Total visitors spend in Whanganui in 2025, a 4.8% increase vs flat national average

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.

Get in touch

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.

Emma Bugden

Creative Industries

Emma works directly with artists and creative workers to make Whanganui a place where creatives thrive.

Tim Easton

Team Lead

Tim heads up the team at Whanganui & Partners helping deliver a coordinated programme of work across all sectors and stakeholders.

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.