More than 300 business owners, entrepreneurs and supporters gathered at Te Rauparaha Arena on Tuesday for Porirua BizFest 2026.
The annual business festival, held on 21 July, featured keynote speakers Ruby Tui, Sir Ian Taylor and Bev Priestman, alongside workshops, networking sessions, a local business panel and an exhibitor village.
This year’s theme, “Build Your Village”, focused on growing businesses through connection, collaboration and collective prosperity.
Namulau’ulu Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele was the event’s MC, guiding the programme and keeping the crowd engaged throughout the day.
The event opened with a performance by the Aotea College kapa haka group.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said the theme was reflected in the conversations, presentations and connections made during the festival.
She praised the organising teams from Porirua City Council and Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, as well as the speakers, workshop leaders and local businesses involved.
Workshops included “Navigating Conflict in the Village”, led by Mo McConnell and Melissa Viviers, and “AI Acronym to Action”, led by Darryl Gatward.
A local business panel featured Holly McPhail from Little Green Olive, Kiriana Hautapu from ATA, Simon Stone from Mufftech and Troy Rorason from 24/7 Fitness.
Students from Mana College, Bishop Viard College, Porirua College, Tawa College and Aotea College also attended.
Sushil’s Musclechef Café catered for 320 people while continuing to operate its café at Te Rauparaha Arena.
The business said the catering was a major effort by its small team and described BizFest as a celebration of business, connection and kaupapa-driven leadership in Porirua.
Tina Burn, from Parka Insurances, said the day offered valuable insights, inspiring conversations and strong speakers.
“Going alone might get you there quicker, but building your village is what takes you further. The right people make all the difference,” she wrote in a post reflecting on the event.
Representatives from Māori Women’s Development Inc also attended, using the day to connect with business owners, organisations and community leaders.
Helen Taylor, from Black Dog Physio, said the event continued to improve each year.
“Truly inspirational speakers and the workshops were fab,” she said.
“We live in a great city with such an awesome community. Proud to call it my home.”
BizFest was supported by PwC, Dentons, WellingtonNZ, Creative HQ and Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira.
