BizFest on 1 July is Porirua’s free big day out for business people to be inspired, make connections and help grow their business.

Register｜Sessions｜Speakers｜News release | Location｜FAQs

Porirua BizFest 2025:
Kōpū i te Pae – Light up the Horizon

This year’s BizFest is Porirua's big day out for business people to be inspired, make connections and help grow their business.

It’s happening at Te Rauparaha Arena on 1 July 2025.

The day will bring together current and aspiring entrepreneurs and provide opportunities to engage in three key areas, with speakers, panel discussions and other kōrero about:

what’s on the economic horizon for our region and city
how business leaders are navigating uncertain economic conditions
seizing opportunities during times of change and the key ingredients for innovation and success.

What's on the agenda?

MORNING: SESSION 1

Whakatere – Setting the course through vision, strategy & leadership

The morning session focuses on strategy, leadership, and future-thinking – setting the course for business success.

Key themes: visionary leadership, economic trends, innovation, and strategy.

MIDDAY: SESSION 2

Maungaroa – Resilience, connection & collaboration

The midday session focuses on strength, partnerships, and resilience – grounding businesses in their values and relationships, the power of connection, whakapapa community, working together and collective action.

Key themes: business networks, collaboration, resilience in changing markets, and the role of community and the collective in economic success.

AFTERNOON: SESSION 3

Whitinga – Seizing opportunities

This final session is about momentum, practical focused action, and stepping forward with confidence – turning strategy and connections into success.

Key themes: how to sustain and explore new growth strategies during times of change, investment pros and cons, using AI in business scaling up, and next steps for businesses and entrepreneurs.

MCs

MCs Nate Lopa and Tania Carr

Nathan Lopa. Found a passion for Masters of Ceremonies which would then lead him to MC events as a student at Victoria University, as well as many Porirua and Wellington community events. Debuting at the 2017 Creekfest and returning to Creekfest 2022, as we as different events including Pasifika United Porirua Poly Fest, Huttfest and more recently all the Wellington Vax Festivals.

Tania Carr, The Coaching Hub. Tania Carr hails from Cannons Creek, Porirua — a businesswoman, coach, public speaker, author, māmā and nana. She’s passionate about creating meaningful connections and making a real difference in people’s lives. Tania brings energy, heart, and purpose to every space she steps into. As the Kaiwhakahaere of Real Talk, she leads powerful conversations that uplift, inspire, and empower rangatahi and communities throughout Aotearoa. Tania is also a recipient of a New Zealander of the Year Local Hero 2025 medal, recognising the impact of her mahi.

We'll be releasing the full-line up of speakers over the coming days. Watch this space...

SPEAKERS

Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele

Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele hails from the breathtaking islands of Samoa, with roots in the villages of Fogapoa, Leulumoega Tuai, and Tafagamanu Lefaga. Born and raised in Cannons Creek, Porirua, Eteroa has always been driven by a passion for service, which has guided her throughout her career.

This dedication to serving her community led to the creation of DigiTautua, an initiative where Eteroa and her team refurbished and fundraised for devices to bridge the digital divide. Building on this mission, she co-founded Fibre Fale in 2022, a purpose-driven collective aimed at creating pathways for Pacific people in tech.

Her leadership and contributions to the community and tech industry have earned her significant recognition, including the Young New Zealander of the Year, Hi-Tech NZ Awards for Young Achiever, Young IT Professional of the Year 2021, Prime Minister’s Award for STEM 2019, Young Women of Influence Nominee 2019, ASB Good as Gold recipient, MacDiarmid Institute Discovery Award, and being named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 for Social Impact.

Brad Olsen

Brad Olsen is the Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infometrics and is one of New Zealand’s leading economic commentators across TV, radio, and print media.

With extensive networks across New Zealand’s business, media, community, and social sectors, Brad brings together a variety of influential views, data, and emerging trends to inform and advise key decision makers and the public across New Zealand so they can make better informed decisions.

Brad is passionate about using economics to make better informed decisions and can communicate complex and detailed trends in a simple, relatable, and useful manner.

Ben Taylor

Ben was born in Dunedin in 1988 at the same time his father, Sir Ian Taylor, was founding Animation Research. He spent his childhood surrounded by innovation and unorthodox thinking. After enrolling himself in boarding school, he attended college in the States and then spent 6 years on the road visiting up to 30 countries every year, immersing himself in culture, TV production and innovation.

Now Ben oversees ARL's work in across sports where he helps lead a team of developers and graphic artists to deliver the world-leading graphics we see on our screens every day. Ben is an expert in commercial deals and has successfully negotiated long term contracts with Paramount, Discovery, Disney, Comcast, PGA TOUR, MLB, FOX USA, FOX Australia, Golf Channel and many more.

Embrace new opportunities and strengthen relationships within the region's business community – register today!

LOCATION

Kōpū i te Pae – Light up the Horizon

Tuesday 1 July
9am to 5pm
Te Rauparaha Arena
Porirua
Register on Eventfinda

Got a question? You might find the answer in our FAQs

FAQs

Who can attend?

BizFest is open to people from Porirua and the wider Wellington region – whether you are in business, starting a business, or thinking about being in business. All are welcome.

What public transport and parking is nearby?

You can get the train to Porirua railway station and from there it's a 10 minute walk to Te Rauparaha Arena. Parking is available on surrounding streets such as Wi Neera Drive or you can leave your car at the railway station and take the short walk to Te Rauparaha Arena.

There are accessible carparks available on a first come, first served basis. Please display your mobility parking permit, located in the Te Rauparaha Arena car park.

For those driving there, Te Rauparaha Arena has free three-hour car parking available.

What's on the agenda?

There are three sessions with a break for lunch. The morning session focuses on strategy, leadership, and future-thinking – setting the course for business success. It sets the course through vision, strategy & leadership.

The second session is all about strength, partnerships, and resilience – grounding businesses in their values and relationships, the power of connection, whakapapa community, working together and collective action. The final session looks at momentum, practical focused action, and stepping forward with confidence – turning strategy and connections into success.

How much does it cost?

It's FREE to attend, but you'll need to register. Sign up on Eventfinda: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/bizfest-2025-kopu-te-pae-light-up-the-horizon/porirua-mana

What about lunch?

There's a 45 minute break for kai from 12.45pm to 1.30pm. You can take a short stroll to Kai Tahi or check out one of the other local businesses. If you're BYO lunch, there's ample space to sit down, have a picnic and catch up with your peers.

BizFest 2025