Warren Furner, economic development manager at Ruapehu District Council, gives a presentation at yesterday's Thrive Whanganui social enterprise expo.
More than 200 people from across the North Island attended the expo at the War Memorial Centre which started with an inspiring keynote address by Julia Milne of Common Unity Project Aotearoa and was followed by three panel sessions - health and hospitality; arts and innovation and rural enterprise.
Mr Furner was part of the rural enterprise panel along with Eliz Ngarimu of Hikurangi Enterprises, Dan Steele of Blue Duck Station and Melita Farley of Double Farley.
The expo concludes today with case studies, workshops and mentoring at Nga Tai o Te Awa.