Whanganui business news

Grand designs: Historic hotel under new management
'I don't believe in doing something quickly and messing it up.'

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

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.

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.'

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.

Will forestry rob hundreds of Kiwis of jobs? Meat processing sector confronts big livestock dip
One million fewer lambs next spring raises economic red flag in meat-processing industry.
Business news around NZ

NZDF removes academic barriers in bid to boost recruitment
Applications surged to 9702 in 2024 after the academic changes were made.

The grid-scale solar farm installing 1600 panels per day
Plus the big investors behind the private project.

Ramping up: What’s next for a business estate still growing after 20 years
In the past year, $70m worth of building consents have been issued for the development.

‘Fully back in the saddle’: How this city’s events sector is thriving
There's something in the air for Rotorua venues and suppliers – renewed confidence.

Public Defence Service overhaul raises concerns about miscarriages of justice
The PSA questions how many lawyers will replace those potentially being laid off.

Mary Holm: What we’re getting wrong about KiwiSaver
The financial guru doesn't think you should prioritise returns when choosing providers.
More local business news

Mercury, Winstone Pulp in war of words over power price claims
Mercury has contested forest products company Winstone's claims about high power prices.

High energy prices threaten 230 jobs at Winstone Pulp International
If the plan goes ahead 230 people would lose their jobs.

Burgermania hits Whanganui
'We all offer different experiences and versions of the same thing.'

'Just keep going' as customers tighten purses
'They might just have a coffee or something light, or they’ll share a plate.'

Energy-inspired trip for minister
The Minister of Climate Change and Revenue was in Whanganui on Thursday.

Processor failure hits farms and transport operators
Bruce Stephenson of Stephenson Transport said the outcome was not surprising.