shopping for children's clothes

Retail and Services

Whakatāne’s commercial centre offers affordable business space and a supportive business community. The town is the main retail centre for a regional population of some 50,000 people and offers considerable possibilities for innovative businesspeople.

Welder

Boat Building & Marine Services

The Whakatāne District has built an industry on its sensational marine recreation resource and is now one of New Zealand’s major boat building and outfitting centres.

Logs

Forestry & Wood Processing

The Eastern Bay of Plenty region is home to several important export industries. The largest is pulp and paper manufacturing.

Construction Site

Healthcare, trades, & professional services

Whakatāne has an excellent hospital, demand for builders and tradespeople, and a need for professional services in both the public and private sectors.

Cows in the mist

Agribusiness

Across the Whakatāne District, agribusiness provides significant employment.

Library Art Class

Teaching & Education

The Whakatāne District has four colleges and also offers tertiary study.

Worker with large machine

Manufacturing & Engineering

Whakatāne's machinery manufacturing and repair businesses support and supply the forestry, timber manufacturing and dairying industries.

Boat Welder

Work Here

People don’t just come here for the sensational lifestyle - Whakatāne also offers diverse work opportunities.

Mussel Farm

Aquaculture

Aquaculture is poised to provide the Eastern Bay of Plenty region with major growth.

Circuit Board

Information & Communication Technology

A number of entrepreneurs have set up successful international technology businesses in the Whakatāne District.

Holly relaxing at beach

Tourism

Tourism is the fastest-growing local industry and presents many opportunities.