MEDIA RELEASE
20 October 2016
Northland’s newest business and event hub first of its kind in New Zealand
Northland Inc, Northland’s Regional Development Agency, wants to prioritise innovation and entrepreneurship in Northland
with the opening of The Orchard Business and Event Hub.
The Orchard Business and Event Hub is a place where start-up businesses, entrepreneurs, contractors and professionals
can rent space and services on a casual and regular basis. It will offer hot-desks, collaborative tables, break-out
zones, meeting rooms, Ultra-fast Wi-Fi, printers, scanners and an event space.
Northland Inc CEO, Dr. David Wilson says Northland is entering an exciting new phase for Regional Economic Development.
“This is a grass-roots, money-where-your-mouth-is project which will benefit a range of Northland businesses and
entrepreneurs. We’re focused on growing innovation and entrepreneurship in the region and this provides a practical and
meaningful way of connecting government support agencies with the growing community of self-employed professionals,
small businesses and start-ups in Northland.”
Northland is leading the way combining The Orchard Business and Event Hub with the region’s Regional Development Agency
and Chamber of Commerce in a purpose-fitted space.
NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland CEO, Tony Collins says: “We’re excited to have this opportunity to occupy
fit-for-purpose premises along with Northland Inc and The Orchard. The combined capability of the organisations involved
in this initiative provides a collaborative resource that provides an innovative platform for Northland businesses to
succeed. We really look forward to people calling in, meeting the team and seeing how we can all work together to build
better businesses.”
Coworking environments are appearing all over New Zealand and internationally for entrepreneurs, start-ups and business
professionals from all backgrounds to work under one-roof.
Northland Regional Council, Northland Inc and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment have co-funded this
initiative and the project has been rolled out and facilitated by Northland Inc.
The Orchard Business and Event Hub is the first of its kind in New Zealand where local business and business development
agencies are under one roof.
The Orchard’s first member, Chief Executive of Hive, Vanessa Wilson says her and her team are excited about the
opportunity to combine fast-paced business in a down-to-earth working environment.
“The Orchard enables local businesses to host events, and have world-leading experts come and run workshops. No longer
will we have to head to Auckland or Wellington to succeed in business."
Doors open to Whangarei’s newest coworking space on 9 November 2016. The Orchard Business Hub is located at Level 1,
Corner of Cameron & Walton Street, Whangarei.
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