Business Success Stories

Primary industries have long played an important role in underpinning the Whakatāne District’s economy and will continue to do so in the years to come. Dairy farming and processing, sheep and cattle farming, a wide range of horticultural activities, forestry and forest products processing are all significant contributors to our local economy, as are the services industry that support them.

In recent years, a number of ‘sunrise industries’ have made a steadily growing contribution to our diverse economic base, and these companies are now major players in their respective business areas, providing high-quality products for domestic and export markets.

Our local businesspeople have energy and a can-do attitude, fuelled by the kind of work-life balance that can only be achieved in this region. They are creators and innovators, with their feet on the ground and a shared passion for the District and in making it a place for innovation and opportunity.