BizFest in Porirua will take place on 1 July - a day that aims to inspire, connect and share business knowledge.

Run jointly by Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and Porirua City Council, BizFest 2025: Kōpū i te pae - Light up the Horizon celebrates the courage of those who seek new business opportunities, the wisdom of those who navigate uncertain times, and the collective resilience and strength of our people.

1 July will provide opportunities to engage in three key areas over the course of the day, with speakers, panel discussions and other kōrero:

- What’s on the economic horizon for our region and city

- How business leaders are navigating uncertain economic conditions

- Seizing opportunities during times of change and the key ingredients for innovation and success.

Key speakers include Animation Research Ltd’s Ben Taylor, Infometrics chief executive and principal economist Brad Olsen, and software engineer, director of Fibre Fale, Young New Zealander of the year and Porirua’s own Eteroa Lafaele. More will be announced soon.

Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Pou Ohanga Boyd Scirkovich will open BizFest with an overview of the first Economic Development and Investment Strategy for the Rūnanga.

"We are excited to partner with the Council to bring BizFest to our whānau and community," he says.

"The event is an opportunity to shine a light on local businesses doing amazing things. We are surrounded by abundant potential here in Porirua and have unique talents within our diverse communities that thrive on the global stage. We hope Bizfest provides the opportunity for people to come together to support each other and explore new areas of collaboration."

Porirua Mayor Anita Baker, who has a background in business, says the event offers plenty to Porirua employers, business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, new and established businesspeople, and anyone wanting to be inspired.

"This will be an amazing day - what a fantastic opportunity for the business sector, which has experienced challenging times of late, to listen, share and connect," she says.

"Porirua is a place to do business and that’s highlighted by large and medium-sized businesses establishing themselves here recently, along with our small traders that keep our city humming. Our city is always moving forward and I’m excited about BizFest showing off what we have now, what’s coming, and the innovation we’re seeing."

For more information and to register, go to poriruacity.govt.nz/bizfest-2025

© Scoop Media