Celebrating two years of supporting businesses and entrepreneurs
Pictured: Nikki Watson (Events and Vibrancy Co-ordinator), Scott Willson (Business Development Manager), Tina Parata (Workforce Co-ordinator), Alan Davis (Workforce Co-ordinator), and Paul Whakatutu (Enterprise Hub Lead), standing outside Te W’anake | The Foundry.
Te W’anake | The Foundry is celebrating two years of supporting businesses and entrepreneurs in Hāwera this February.
The coworking and enterprise hub has become a cornerstone for the community, offering flexible spaces for meetings, events, hot-desking and workshops, as well as fostering connections and collaboration among local businesses and professionals.
With more than 140 businesses regularly using the space, Te W’anake | The Foundry has become a hub for a wide range of industries, including trades, professional services, social services, Iwi organisations and government agencies.
A recent survey revealed that users value the strong sense of community and flexibility the space offers, with many noting it helps them feel less isolated, share ideas and connect with others.
Te W’anake | The Foundry is the result of a collaboration between the South Taranaki District Council (STDC) and Bizlink Hāwera.
Mayor Phil Nixon says Te W’anake | The Foundry has been one of initiatives that has energized Hāwera’s town centre.
“With Te W’anake | The Foundry attracting a variety of professionals to the CBD, alongside Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga—the new library, visitor information centre, and art gallery—Hāwera is really coming alive as a vibrant, economically sustainable town,” says Mayor Nixon.
“I encourage anyone who hasn’t yet visited Te W’anake | The Foundry, to go to say hello to the team and have a look to see what’s on offer. Everyone is welcome,” he says.
Enterprise Hub Lead Paul Whakatutu has enjoyed seeing the space flourish.
“It’s amazing to see how much Te W’anake | The Foundry has grown and how it’s helping people build connections, learn new skills, and access the support they need,” he says.
The space has also become a key support system for startups and small businesses in South Taranaki.
Venture Taranaki’s fortnightly Startup Clinics, held at Te W’anake | The Foundry, have seen a growing number of locals seeking advice and resources to start or grow their ventures.
In addition, free business workshops, run in partnership with Bizlink Hāwera, have provided valuable tools to help local entrepreneurs succeed.
As The Foundry celebrates this milestone, the team looks forward to continuing to support the district by creating opportunities for businesses to connect, grow, and thrive.
For more information, visit www.thefoundrycoworking.co.nz
