Whanganui Tech

18/05/2026

What a way to open Techweek 2026 Whanganui! 🚀

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this morning’s opening breakfast at Hive HQ. It was a great way to bring people together, reconnect across the local tech ecosystem, and set the tone for the week ahead.

Special thanks to Carl Bates MP for Whanganui Andrew Tripe - Mayor of Whanganui, and everyone who spoke and helped open the week with energy, clarity, and a shared sense of what’s possible for Whanganui.

Techweek is now officially underway — and there is still plenty more to come across the week, including events on energy, AI, Māori innovation, rangatahi pathways, brand strategy, networking, online safety, and the future of Whanganui’s tech sector.

There is still time to register for upcoming events.
Check out the full programme and registration links here:
https://techweekwhanganui.com

12/05/2026

We are looking forward to Kit's event - he is picking up the conversation around brand strategy within the tech environment - an often overlooked topic! If this is of interest to you, register quick - spots are limited and filling up fast!

Techweek 2026 x Serious Marketing Strategy

05/05/2026

Energy is one of the big regional conversations we need to be having. ⚡

As part of Techweek 2026, Regional Energy Outlook: Insights and Opportunities will bring together local and national perspectives on energy, infrastructure, innovation, investment, and the opportunities ahead for Whanganui and the wider region.

This is not just a technical conversation. Energy connects directly to business growth, sustainability, regional development, and the kinds of future opportunities we can realistically pursue.

If you are involved in business, infrastructure, technology, investment, local government, sustainability, or regional development, this is a conversation worth being in the room for.

Regional Energy Outlook: Insights and Opportunities
📅 Monday 18 May
🕠 5.30pm–8.00pm
📍 Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery

As this is a catered event, registration is essential.
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/regional-energy-outlook-insights-and-opportunities

Join us for an evening of discussion on the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the energy landscape.

15/04/2026

Something exciting is building in Whanganui. 🚀

Techweek 2026 is coming — and this year’s programme is bringing together technology, innovation, design, community, and future-focused conversations from right across our region.
From Monday 18 May to Friday 22 May, we’ll be hosting a week of events that showcase the people, ideas, and momentum shaping Whanganui’s tech ecosystem.

Two key anchor events to watch:
⚡ Regional Energy Sector Forum — Monday 18 May
🚀 Launch of the Whanganui Tech Sector Proposal — Friday 22 May

Alongside these, the week will feature a mix of AI, community, rangatahi, strategy, and networking events across the programme.

This is more than a calendar of events — it’s a chance to connect, contribute, and be part of where things are heading.

Check out the calendar and save the dates.

09/04/2026

Save the dates: 18-23 May

Techweek 2026 will soon be here!

08/07/2025

🌟 Join Us for the Online Harms Inquiry Discussion! 🌟

We’re thrilled to invite you to an important event hosted by the Whanganui Tech Network Trust, featuring Carl Bates, Deputy Chair of the Education and Workforce Committee.

🗓 Date: Friday, 11th July
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
📍 Location: The Watering Hole, The Backhouse, 28 Taupo Quay
🍽 Refreshments Provided

Carl will discuss the inquiry into online harms faced by young New Zealanders and the vital roles that government, businesses, and society play in addressing these issues. This is a fantastic opportunity to share your insights and experiences, as well as to engage in a Q&A session with Carl.

We encourage everyone to participate and submit written contributions by 30th July. Your voice matters in shaping the committee's understanding and potential solutions!

👉 Register for the event here: https://events.humanitix.com/online-harms-inquiry-discussion

Let’s come together to make a difference! We look forward to seeing you there!✨

Participate in a discussion with local National MP Carl Bates about online harms affecting young Kiwis.

17/05/2025

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/whanganui-chronicle/news/its-the-whanganuis-of-this-world-that-get-forgotten-about-new-ai-assisted-service-launches-for-techweek/Z6XURHJYAJBRTDHM4UYJ6TLXDU/

The service aims to help non-profit organisations apply for grants.

17/05/2025

𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 — 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱, 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱.

That’s why we’re incredibly proud to have the Whanganui Community Foundation as a Principal Partner for Techweek25 in Whanganui.

Their support goes far beyond sponsorship — it’s a reflection of their enduring commitment to equity, opportunity, and grassroots impact. WCF invests in initiatives that lift up communities, especially where barriers exist.

Here’s what 𝗗𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗮, Foundation Manager, had to say:

“Community is at the heart of the Whanganui Community Foundation’s work. By supporting Techweek we’re championing more than technology; we’re nurturing the curiosity, creativity, and collaboration that power Whanganui’s future.”

Thanks to WCF’s backing, Techweek25 features free events that centre youth, digital inclusion, Māori enterprise, creative expression, and wellbeing — and ensure the doors are open wide.

It’s a powerful reminder that progress isn’t just about tools or trends — it’s about people.

📅 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 + 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲:
🔗 https://whanganui.tech

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗖𝗙 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝟮𝟱 𝘄𝗵𝗮̄𝗻𝗮𝘂.

17/05/2025

𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗵𝗶 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗫 𝗟𝗬𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟
𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲, 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

Part of Techweek25 Whanganui, this collaborative 3-day workshop is designed to support rangatahi aged 15–24 in navigating the digital world with purpose and creativity.

It blends practical strategies for digital well-being with the expressive power of digital storytelling — offering a unique space where young people can reflect, connect, and create.

🌀 Healthy Tech Habits introduces tools for mindfulness, balance, and self-care in digital spaces.

🎤 LYRICAL: A Digital Narrative Workshop for Youth provides hands-on experience crafting personal stories using digital tools.

Together, these kaupapa create a powerful opportunity for rangatahi to explore:
• How technology affects their hauora
• How to tell their story in their own voice
• How to thrive — both online and offline

📍 Ngā Tai o te Awa, 142 Guyton Street
📅 Mon 19 – Wed 21 May
🕛 3:00–5:00pm each day

👏 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲 (𝗪𝗗𝗖) 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗴𝗮̄ 𝗧𝗮𝗶 𝗼 𝗧𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮.

🔗 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 + 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿: https://whanganui.tech

17/05/2025

🌍 Think Global, Solve Local: Turning Everyday Problems into World-Class Solutions 🚀

Join us during Techweek '25 for an inspiring session that showcases how local innovators are solving real-world problems with creativity, design thinking, and cutting-edge technology.

This event is all about transforming everyday challenges into global opportunities. From creating efficiencies that save time and reduce costs to leveraging accessible technology for impactful solutions, we’ll explore how our region's unique blend of innovation and ingenuity is making waves on the global stage.

💡 What to Expect:
- Learn how to identify market gaps that lead to high-impact opportunities.
- Discover how local innovation can solve global problems.
- Gain insights into turning practical challenges into viable business ventures.
- Network with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers passionate about innovation.

🎤 Speakers:
Shareena Sandbrook – Frogparking
Andrew Tripe – BodyCode Nutrition
Colleen Ervinee – Whanganui & Partners
🗓 Date: Thursday 22 May
🕒 Time: 5:30-8:00pm
📍 Location: The Backhouse

Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, policymaker, or simply curious about innovation, this is your chance to explore how Whanganui’s tech and design thinking can create solutions that are good for the world.

👉 Don’t miss out – register now and be part of the conversation!