Invest in Wairoa

Wairoa offers affordable opportunity, strong community support and growing potential for businesses seeking regional advantage. With a resilient local economy, expanding small business sector and lifestyle benefits unique to the East Coast, Wairoa presents a compelling investment environment.

Whether you are considering relocating, expanding or launching a new venture, Wairoa provides space to grow.

Wairoa at a Glance

• Regional Hawke's Bay & East Coast district

• Strong primary industry base

• Affordable commercial property

• Growing small business sector

• Community-driven economic leadership

Wairoa District Snapshot

• • District population: 8,940

  • Urban population: 4,720

  • Total businesses: 666 (February 2025)

  • Strong primary sector foundation

  • Affordable property and commercial environment

  Wairoa combines rural strength with community scale, creating a business environment that supports both established enterprises and new investment.

Wairoa District Economic Profile

The Wairoa district economy is strongly driven by the primary sector, particularly agriculture, forestry and fishing. As of 2025, this sector represents approximately 360 business units, making it the largest industry group in the district.

Between 2024 and 2025, the rural sector contributed $171.7 million in growth, reflecting continued resilience and adaptation within pastoral farming and forestry operations.

Manufacturing remains a significant employer, with 540 people employed in the sector. The AFFCO meat processing facility provides major seasonal employment and supports the broader rural economy.

Public services also play a key role in employment stability, with:

• Education employing 312 people

• Health care and social assistance employing 264 people

Retail and local services continue to support everyday economic activity throughout the district.

For a detailed breakdown of Wairoa district demographics and economic indicators, view our Statistical Data page.

Sector Opportunities

Key Investment Sectors

Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Services

With 360 business units and continued rural sector growth, opportunities exist in supply chain services, agricultural support, contracting and forestry-related enterprises.

Engineering, Contracting and Infrastructure

Ongoing infrastructure investment and recovery initiatives create opportunity for engineering and contracting services.

Manufacturing and Processing

Established processing facilities and rural production provide a foundation for value-added manufacturing and support services.

Rental, Hiring and Real Estate

With 153 business units in this group, property-related services remain active within the district.

Recovery & Resilience

Recovery and Future Development

Following the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, the district has undertaken significant recovery and infrastructure rebuilding efforts. While land values experienced temporary decline, the recovery phase has generated investment in roading, infrastructure and resilience planning.

Council funding for the 2024/25 year included substantial subsidies and recovery grants, supporting long-term infrastructure renewal.

This period of rebuilding presents opportunity for businesses aligned with infrastructure, contracting, rural services and community support sectors.

Forestry Transition Note