Calling all Waitaki-based entrepreneurs, founders, and side-hustlers…

The first event targeting those in business, or wanting to get into business, is being organised by a group of community members taking on board the vision of the Waitaki District Council’s Economic Development Strategy.

Inspire Waitaki was created to foster more growth in the community, Coko Lounge owner/operator Oisín Altena-Russell said.

The group is planning its first event for next week, and anyone who the idea resonates with is welcome.

“That’ll bring together founders, mentors, people with ideas, and people that just want to support the community really, and so from there we’ll be able to make connections, network and then build up from that,” Oisin said.

The initiative is not council-led, but the group also includes council business attraction and recovery manager Mel Jones, and business and enterprise growth lead Rebecca Finlay.

All three are part of a group of local business people with an aspiration to see Waitaki as an incubator for sustainable solutions that improve the environment, grow the economy and benefit its communities.

“This was a project that we thought could kick off towards that . . . but it’s a group that comes together that’s completely, genuinely collaborative, and there’s no kind of hierarchy within the group, it’s just that you all share a common goal,” she said.

Other members of the group are PutiPuti Rau Peonies owner Gareth Boyt, The Business Hive and Waitaki App co-owner Cara Tipping Smith, and Acucut’s owner Matthew Melton and graphic designer Kathryn Swann.

“Kathryn did all of our graphics, and they’re amazing,” Rebecca said. 

The group had also connected with the Pacific Community Trust.

“We’re making sure that it’s an inclusive, sustainable model, which is, as Oisín said, the kind of thing that runs through the Economic Development Strategy, that pulls it all together.”

The first event is taking place at The Business Hive next Thursday (June 22) at 5pm. Three speakers are lined up, and will give some background on their stories, and how they fit with the group’s aims and focus.

People will be offered the chance to ask questions, and then mingle - with the intention of making new connections, he said.

“We think the real secret in the sauce is going to be in that networking space,” Rebecca said. “Which I know is a word that’s sort of thrown around a lot - but there’s been concerted effort put in, who’s going to be here - and the piece of the puzzle they represent - so it’s not just one group, it’s all kinds of different groups and how they complement and leverage off one another and inspire each other, inspire Waitaki.”

The speakers are James Porteous from Oamaru Organics, Jane Thompson from Ōamaru business Moa Bakery, Cakery and Mike Casey, who has a carbon-zero cherry orchard near Queenstown. 

“We’re stoked to have all three of them. They’ll be fantastic speakers and offer their ‘why’. So, what was the problem you saw in the sector that you were involved in, and then what was the solution you came up with to solve that,” Rebecca said. 

The group hoped the speakers would inspire people in the room to “push forward” with their ideas.

“Even if it kind of feels a bit crazy to them, that they’ll be excited and inspired,” Rebecca said.

“We want anybody that the event resonates with to be there, because you may be a teacher by day, and a secret pioneer by night. Those are the people we want to be in the room for sure.”

It is hoped this will be the first of a series of events, but the group wants to be led by the community, and following the mix and mingle part of the evening people will be asked what kinds of things they might like to see in the future.

“We’re really keen to reach out to as many different people that we think are going to connect with this event, and I think if the sound of the event resonates with you, you should be there. 

“Obviously we’re limited in capacity, so we do need people to RSVP, but it’s by no means invitation only, we just need to know that you’re coming.”

If you would like to attend the event, email [email protected]