Whanganui has a well-deserved reputation as a centre of creativity, recognised internationally as New Zealand’s only UNESCO City of Design.
Whanganui is known internationally as New Zealand’s only UNESCO City of Design. It is home to some of the country’s most celebrated craft artists and designers whose work reaches global markets. This creativity is seen in studios, workshops, and the city’s urban landscape.
Whanganui has more art galleries per capita than any other New Zealand city. Creative tourism is growing fast with the opening of the flagship Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery.
Creatives are warmly invited to accelerate their businesses in Whanganui’s supportive, connected environment. Join us to connect, collaborate, and grow your creative business today.
$75.9M
Creative industries contribution to Whanganui GDP
49 cities
In the world designated a UNESCO City of Design
$16.7m
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery delivered an estimated $16.7m economic boost in its first year, attracting 131,613 visitors.
30+
Whanganui boasts the highest number of art galleries per capita in New Zealand
10 November 2025
Creative Industries
12 December 2025
Creative Industries
14 October 2025
Creative Industries
10 November 2025
Creative Industries
12 December 2025
Creative Industries
14 October 2025
Creative Industries
In Whanganui, businesses grow through a connected, collegiate ecosystem - one that values collaboration, shared knowledge, and long-term capability building. From early-stage founders to established firms, there are clear pathways to advice, space, funding, and sector-led networks designed to support businesses as they scale.
Our approach to investment is intentional, by focusing on opportunities that align with Whanganui’s strengths, support sustainable growth, and deliver long-term value for the district.
Whether you’re an investor, business, or intermediary, we help you understand the landscape, navigate the ecosystem, and connect with the right people to move forward.
our team
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.
Emma Bugden
Creative Industries
Emma works directly with artists and creative workers to make Whanganui a place where creatives thrive.
Emma Bugden
Creative Industries
Emma works directly with artists and creative workers to make Whanganui a place where creatives thrive.
