Whanganui's Economic Development Agency

Tim heads up the team at Whanganui & Partners, helping deliver a coordinated programme of work across all sectors and stakeholders. With a focus on Advanced Manufacturing, Logistics and Renewable Energy, Tim works directly with local business owners and sole traders to help them achieve their business goals. He advises on new business ideas, staffing, location, product development, markets and more. Tim initiates programmes to engage and support the business community and to attract businesses and investment to Whanganui.

Colleen leads strategic initiatives across the primary industries to boost Whanganui’s food and fibre reputation. She collaborates with businesses, driving growth, building capability, and fostering partnerships that attract and retain investment. With her expertise gained as an agricultural journalist, regional councillor, and dairy farm owner, Colleen’s export focus and support for market-driven opportunities position the Whanganui region as a place to innovate, diversify and increase value.

Emma works directly with artists and creative workers to make Whanganui a place where creatives thrive. She has been working in the arts for two decades, as an artist, consultant, curator and advocate. She is deeply involved in the local arts community. She has been a member of the Public Art Steering Group for the Whanganui District Council, the Keynote Speaker at the CoLab glass conference in 2019, and a co-founder of the Whanganui Small Publishers Group.

Rach works closely with education providers and industry to ensure the proper training and educational opportunities are available to build the skills our economy needs. Rach loves taking on significant challenges and is passionate about helping people realise their potential. Rach has held positions as Head of School, Creative Industries, at UCOL and Manager of Te Pae Tata, the Ruapehu Community Learning & Tech Hub, under Ngāti Rangi in Ohakune.

Eilish is focused on positioning Whanganui as an attractive investment destination by identifying opportunities and developing strategies to attract the right types of investment to drive regional growth. She brings extensive marketing leadership experience from large corporates and professional services in both the UK and New Zealand, applying this expertise to this work.

Suz works with iwi, business, and industry partners to deliver projects that support regional growth across Ruapehu. Her focus includes enabling economic development initiatives and supporting key sectors, including tourism, film, and primary industries. Suz has held senior roles across Māori economic development, environmental management, and regional development, and continues to support iwi and Māori organisations through strategic and governance-focused work.