Tui Brewery proves to be a great networking venue

Tararua Mayor Tracey Collis was welcomed to Tui HQ by Tui Experience Director Rosie Rogers. Photo / Supplied

When members of four regional Chambers of Commerce gathered last week at Tui HQ at Mangatainoka it was an opportunity for cross-region networking.

It was the first time Dannevirke, Pahiatua and Manawatu Chambers of Commerce and their Masterton counterpart Business Wairarapa had come together for such an event.

Tui Experience Director Rosie Rogers welcomed Chamber of Commerce members and Tararua Mayor Tracey Collis to Tui HQ's Flagon Room function centre.

"Welcome to our playground. We feel really humble to host nearly 200 people here. I believe it is the first time you have all been together."

Guests were presented with goodie boxes and personalised bottles of Tui's finest and were taken on a guided tour of the brewery.

Rosie and her husband Nick took on the task of running the Tui visitor experience in 2016.

"We are responsible for the fun part of the visitor experience. We make sure when people come here that they have a good time."

Apart from bringing the Chambers of Commerce together, the function was an opportunity to showcase the brewery's multi-purpose facilities which also include Tui HQ, a smaller conference room and a museum.

"What's great about Tui HQ is its central location. We would love to have you all back."
Rosie said Tui HQ is committed to hosting a similar function for the Chambers of Commerce next year.

Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce chairwoman Sue Berry said she couldn't think of a better location than the iconic Tui Brewery to host an event that brought the regional Chambers together.

"Quite obviously a number of Dannevirke business people agree - as we have more than 50 here tonight from our region which represents well over a third of our growing membership," said Berry.

"We are one of the smallest accredited Chambers in New Zealand but are very active. And we welcome the opportunity to join with our neighbours here tonight. I hope this will be the first of many such combined events, as they will most certainly enhance business opportunities for all members."

Business Wairarapa general manager Catherine Rossiter-Stead commented on the good cross-section of businesses represented.

"It's a great business networking opportunity and a great cross-regional networking opportunity. If you can create an event that a whole lot of new people are going to attend then you create new marketing opportunities."