Te Rauparaha Arena was alive with energy, innovation and community spirit on Friday as BizFest 2025: Kōpū i te Pae – Light Up the Horizon brought together entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers from across Porirua and beyond.
Jointly hosted by Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and Porirua City Council, the inaugural business festival celebrated courage, resilience, and a bold vision for the region’s economic future.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker opened the day with a warm welcome, following a stirring performance by Aotea College’s Te Kāhui Kuratea Kapa Haka group. The festival was guided by Kōpū i te Pae – the morning star – as a symbol of hope and collective progress.
The speaker lineup featured some of Aotearoa’s most inspiring voices, including:
- Boyd Scirkovich, Pou Ōhanga, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira
- Renowned economist Brad Olsen
- Olympic shot-put legend Dame Valerie Adams
- Tech innovator Eteroa Lafaele
- Cultural leader Neil Ieremia
- Business advisor Ben Taylor
A highlight of the event was a local business panel, showcasing some of Porirua’s entrepreneurial talent. Speakers included:
- Laura Nixon from Solid – Sustainable Oral Care
- Paul Ballentyne, founder of Moana Road
- Sushil Kumar of Sushil’s Musclechef Kitchen & Café
- Simon Manning from Concept Outdoor Solutions
- Vianney Parata, Toi Māori artist
The day was filled with kōrero about challenges, resilience, innovation, and the power of kaupapa-driven leadership.
One speaker summed up the sentiment perfectly:
“Together, we navigate. Together, we rise. Together, we lead.”
With more than 500 attendees and a strong sense of local pride, BizFest 2025 signalled a new chapter for Porirua’s business community – one anchored in whakapapa and focused on building a thriving, inclusive economy.