Whanganui’s story takes a twist and business reaps the benefits.
Affordability is the major drawcard for most regional centres but one city has added global attention to its attributes with exceptional growth and access to international markets on the horizon.
Whanganui, once warned it might become an economically depressed ‘zombie town’, has had record economic growth over ten years and bucked trends with its resilience.
In 2021, Whanganui was awarded UNESCO City of Design status, attracting international recognition for the city and its businesses. Its diverse design-led manufacturing sector drew the interest of visiting UNESCO commissioners and local businesses played a key part in the city being awarded the high-profile status.
Whanganui is ready to further accelerate its growth and has created an enviable proposition for new business and investment.
Tim Easton, business lead for economic development leader Whanganui & Partners, says Whanganui is full of opportunity and promise.
“You could buy three Whanganui land packages for the price of one in Hamilton,” Easton says. “You could secure a key position for lower North Island distribution and slash multiple key operational costs.”
But that’s just the beginning of the Whanganui advantage, Easton says.
“Our UNESCO designation connects us to a global network of cities interested in what Whanganui has to offer. It elevates our products with an internationally recognised and respected brand.”
Whanganui’s advantages boost a company’s bottom line without compromise. With direct rail and road routes to Wellington, New Plymouth, Napier, Tauranga and Auckland, the city has access to markets and well-placed logistical support.
“There are industrial land packages and new premises ready to go,” Easton says. “Whether producing for local markets or exporting, our businesses have strategic benefits.”
Some of New Zealand’s leading manufacturers choose to take advantage of those benefits.
The city boasts exceptional design manufacturers’ whose products are sought after. Pacific Helmets produces safety helmets for New York firefighters and is one of the highest-ranked helmet design companies worldwide, Easton says.
“Fixtures and furniture manufacturer GDM supplies locally designed and manufactured retail display systems to The Warehouse, New World, Mitre 10, Torpedo7 and many other national and international companies.”
Sorenmobler designs and manufactures extraordinary high-end furniture, Wight Aluminium is one of New Zealand’s largest aluminium fabricators and Q-West produces boats for Fullers, Whale Watch Kaikoura and others. Suzuki New Zealand houses its headquarters in Whanganui.
Strength in manufacturing has created a talent pool and labour costs are 20pc lower than Auckland. The city has well-developed infrastructure, an accommodating council and excellent connectivity.
Easton says Whanganui’s lifestyle advantages are equally compelling. “Five minutes to work, 5 minutes to pick the kids up, beautiful beaches on your doorstep and skiing just up the road.”
The average house price is below $500k, Auckland is an hour’s flight away and Wellington is a 2.5-hour drive.
Whanganui hums with cosy cafes, great food and bars, boutique shopping and farmers’ markets. Beautiful street art highlights Whanganui’s creativity and the cityscape boasts extraordinary heritage buildings restored into contemporary spaces. The Whanganui story is full of promise and progress, and it’s not finished yet.