Porirua’s second BizFest will bring high-profile speakers and a strong focus on collaboration when it returns to Te Rauparaha Arena on 21 July.
The one-day event, jointly organised by Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and Porirua City Council, aims to celebrate the city’s “village economy” while inspiring local businesses to grow together.
Headlining this year’s programme are Bev Priestman, Ruby Tui and Sir Ian Taylor. The event will be hosted by Eteroa Lafaele.
Running from 9am to 4pm, BizFest 2026 carries the theme Build Your Village, building on last year’s focus on resilience with a new message encouraging businesses to thrive together.
Organisers say the theme reflects Porirua’s long-standing approach to business, grounded in whanaungatanga and kotahitanga. The programme includes interactive workshops led by local experts, structured networking opportunities and an exhibitor marketplace for small business support services.
Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira chief executive Helmut Modlik said the event was about more than listening to speakers.
“This is about connecting and feeling proud of where you are, being excited to continue building our village and benefit from that,” Modlik said.
He said the concept of “te mana o te takitini”, or the strength of many, had always underpinned Porirua’s business community.
“BizFest gives that approach the infrastructure it deserves.”
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said the event offered a chance for businesses to turn inspiration into action.
“Porirua is a place to do business. Our city is humming and, importantly, somewhere we look out for one another,” Baker said.
“What we want is lasting economic success, the village continues to work and flourish long after the event ends.”
Tickets for BizFest 2026 are available online at https://tickets.ticketspace.co.nz/tickets/bizfest2026