Partnerships & Ecosystem
Whanganui is a city where business thrives with purpose. Home to 50,000 people, we back diverse industries, help companies grow, and connect talent, funding, and opportunity.
Industry-led organisations
Industry-led organisations provide a direct link to businesses on the ground. From chambers of commerce to sector-specific groups, these organisations help shape priorities, surface opportunities, and ensure the voice of industry informs decision-making.
Business Whanganui
Tech Network
Te Manu Atatū Māori Business Network
Thrive Whanganui
Mainstreet Whanganui
Whanganui Indigenous Designers Network
Partnership with Iwi
Iwi are foundational partners in the Whanganui economy. As kaitiaki of the awa and the whenua, they play an active role in shaping long-term outcomes for the district - across economic development, land use, infrastructure and wellbeing.
Anchor institutions
Whanganui’s anchor institutions play a critical role in building skills, capability and long-term economic resilience. Organisations like these contribute to workforce development, applied research and industry connection, helping local sectors adapt and grow.
Local & central government
We work closely with local and central government to align investment, policy and delivery. This ensures national frameworks support regional priorities and that local opportunities are matched with the right levers at the right time.
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.
Colleen Ervine
Agribusiness
Colleen works with agribusiness stakeholders to develop strategies and initiatives that will develop our region into a food and fibre powerhouse.
Suz Hepi
Regional Growth
Suz works with iwi, business, and industry partners to deliver projects that support regional growth across Ruapehu.
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.
Colleen Ervine
Agribusiness
Colleen works with agribusiness stakeholders to develop strategies and initiatives that will develop our region into a food and fibre powerhouse.
Suz Hepi
Regional Growth
Suz works with iwi, business, and industry partners to deliver projects that support regional growth across Ruapehu.
Join the conversation
Whanganui's economic development department growing opportunity and prosperity in the Whanganui District. Whanganui's economic development department growing opportunity and prosperity in the Whanganui District.