Whanganui business news

'Past the first hurdle' - Fletcher Living on progress at $500m The Hill
Fletcher bought site in 2021, earthworks now advanced, first four homes nearly finished.

North Island tourism alliance formed to boost international visits
Fifteen North Island tourism groups have formed an alliance to attract key markets.

$135m distributed last year by iwi to members
Distributions paid have increased by around 35% in the last five years: Phil Barry, TDB.

Asset values up only $100m since 2022: New report on 10 biggest iwi
Most iwi had positive financial returns in 2024, an improvement on 2023: latest report

Bremworth proposes laying off 47 staff amidst major restructure
“It was very quiet ... a lot of people were crying."

Skifield buyer Whakapapa Holdings potential operator for Chateau Tongariro
Whakapapa Holdings is interested in operating the currently decaying heritage building.

Three top new residences which won 2024 architecture awards
Outstanding designs displayed in Whanganui, Ōtautahi and Wānaka residential buildings.

Century-old Waverley business for sale
The SH3 store stayed within the same family for 100 years.

Businesses elevate work opportunities in Whanganui
A three-way collaboration is taking industry training to a new level.

Aerowork’s 75-year celebration a family affair
Aviation history was highlighted at Aerowork's 75-year celebration on Saturday.

‘Tough news’: NZME proposes to close 14 local newspapers, with the loss of 30 jobs
Herald owner says community titles are no longer profitable in changing media landscape.

Whanganui friends and business owners create unique Rēwena Gin
'It’s more than a drink when there’s the connection of whānau.'

Hopes property developer will snap up shopping centre
'It’s the first time it has come to the market for about 55 years.'

Improved export capability focus of business survey
New opportunities ahead for Whanganui business success.

Stalled international pilot training costing New Zealand $50m a year
An industry group blames the exit of a big operator and slow visa processing.

The Country Fast Five: 'AI will empower the average farmer'
The Country has five questions to get to know rural New Zealand a little better.

Whakapapa Holdings close to deal for ski area assets
'We have confidence as a business that the Whakapapa ski area is viable commercially.'
Business news around NZ

Market close: NZ stocks end weaker after a strong start to May
Falls in Fletcher Building and F&P Healthcare drove the sharemarket lower.

Women in the firing line again, as Govt mulls cutting ACC cover
Minister fears scheme is too broad and unsustainable.

Health NZ confirms roles cut, despite ongoing legal challenge
Legal action by PSA means some changes are currently on hold.

Spark confirms jobs will go as it outsources to AI, networking partner
Restructure comes on top of contract to outsource roles to Infosys.

Kiwi startup lands TikTok as a client
Founder realises he has a blind spot - then corrects it.

Glimmer of hope for Chateau Tongariro restoration as former lessee accounts for $5m provision
A door may be opening at the Chateau: Hope for repair funds and operator interest.
More local business news

Fonterra farmers will zero in on milk price in FY24 results this week
Plans for the sale of the consumer business are also in the market spotlight.

'Decommissioning' on the table for the Chateau Tongariro
Gov't abandons search for new operator of Chateau Tongariro, decommissioning considered.

'Absolutely thrilled': The Star is reborn - 103-year-old newspaper resurrected after closure
The presses are rolling again.

NZ’s biggest house-builder G.J. Gardner planning 30% franchise growth
'If you’re in a really tough game, go on the attack.'

'Massive blow': Hundreds of jobs lost as Winstone shuts mills
One of the central North Island's biggest employers has made the call to shut two mills.

Construction sector suspected suicides: 80 died last year, highest on record
Data from Coronial Services dating back to 2007 shows record 2023 suicide numbers.