About us

The Wairoa Business Association was formed in 2023 post Cyclone Gabrielle as a vehicle to support local businesses, promote a healthy and prosperous business community in Wairoa and create a voice that would represent the views and aspirations of the business community within our local Council.

About the Wairoa District.

Wairoa was originally a Māori settlement. The ancestral canoe Tākitimu travelled up the river and landed near where the Tākitimu meeting house now sits. The river was an important source of food for the community that grew on its banks.

William Rhodes established a trading station there in 1839, and missionary William Williams first visited in 1841. A permanent mission station was established in 1844. Early European settlers ran sheep and traded flax.

Wairoa district, northern Hawke’s Bay, is the ideal starting point for exploring rugged coastline, wilderness adventures, safe beaches, world-class trout fishing, golf, waterfalls, hiking, hunting, rural experience, surfing, art and museum collections … there is something for everyone!

Wairoa is only 1.5 hours drive from both Napier and Gisborne airports. Due to the vastness and geographic nature of the Wairoa district, to really explore and make the most of the experience, a vehicle is required, making us a perfect destination for the free independent traveller.

The population of Wairoa township is 4720 and 8920 in the wider district (as of the 2024 Census population of Wairoa District); 66.3% of our population identify as being of Māori descent. Agriculture, forestry and horticulture are our main industries, along with support businesses and services. We have 37 marae within the district, providing an opportunity for visitors to have genuine, authentic Māori culture experience.

Join the Wairoa business community

Membership to the Wairoa Business Association is open to all businesses, sole traders, professionals, trade services and producers throughout the Wairoa District. Become a member and help us support investment, deliver key services, and promote Wairoa as a great place to visit, live, and do business.

Our goals

The Wairoa Business Association aims:

  • To promote, advance, encourage and protect the commercial interests and welfare of our members.
  • To act on behalf of and represent the collective membership of the Association.
  • To promote the Keep Wairoa Beautiful program throughout the district
  • To work in partnership with the Wairoa Business Hub to foster the development of new businesses in Wairoa

How we help local businesses thrive

  • Supporting initiatives that will attract new business and investment in the Wairoa District.
  • Working alongside fellow stakeholders to deliver key services that are required for a vibrant shopping and service precincts.
  • Promote a reinvigorated Wairoa as a great place to visit, live and to base a business here.
  • By helping make our shopping precincts accessible, safer, welcoming and friendly.