Te W’anake The Foundry Marks Two Years of Supporting South Taranaki Entrepreneurs
As the first co-working space in South Taranaki, Te W’anake The Foundry is proudly celebrating its second anniversary.
With a strong base of full-time residents, the facility has become a thriving hub for freelancers, remote workers, startups, and entrepreneurs — and is looking to welcome many more through its doors.
Since opening in February 2023, the Hāwera-based space has offered 30 desks, private offices, meeting and event rooms, high-quality video conferencing equipment, high-speed internet, and excellent coffee. It is designed for those looking to launch or grow their business dreams in a flexible, supportive environment.
Located in central Hāwera — a town of around 11,000 and the second largest in the Taranaki region — The Foundry enjoys a prime spot on High Street, directly across from the new public library and cultural centre. The region itself offers lifestyle appeal, with nearby beaches, mountain hikes, and now, dynamic coworking spaces like this one.
The name “Te W’anake” fittingly translates to “move forward, grow and develop.”
A joint initiative between the South Taranaki District Council (STDC) and Bizlink Hāwera (the town’s business association), The Foundry is more than just a shared office space. Both organisations are funding partners, with Bizlink even relocating its own offices into the space — a move that’s helped ensure long-term sustainability.
To date, all three private offices at The Foundry are fully occupied. More than 150 companies have used its meeting spaces, booking over 600 meetings in its rooms or outdoor courtyard, which features a barbecue area and casual furniture. Three local startups now operate full-time from the facility.
Scott Willson, STDC’s Business Development Manager, says the impact has been even greater than expected.
“We want the district to be a great place to do business,” says Willson. “Having an accessible venue where people with ideas can connect with the right support helps us do just that.”
He adds that uptake of the space has been faster than anticipated.
“Hāwera is a small town, but there’s a lot within reach and so much support on offer for people starting or growing businesses.”
The Foundry has also become a key venue for startup clinics and business workshops. Sponsored by Bizlink Hāwera, its workshop series has tackled topics like artificial intelligence, accounting, marketing, and leadership.
Dr. Rosanne Ellis, Director of Innovation and Impact at the University of Waikato, attended a startup weekend at the facility and was impressed by the energy.
“The space was relaxed and informal — a safe environment where diverse entrepreneurs and mentors could co-create,” she says.
After a year in operation, survey results revealed that community and flexibility were the top reasons people were drawn to the space. The Foundry earned a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 9.5 out of 10, a strong endorsement from its users.
Paul Whakatutu, Enterprise Hub Lead, says that building relationships is a core part of The Foundry’s success.
“What we offer isn’t just a desk or a room. It’s the greeting at the door, the tech support, the coffee — it’s a whole support system. People come here and feel like they’re part of something.”
Willson agrees, saying “Paul has made it easier for people to take that first step. Someone can walk in off the street and say, ‘Hey, I’ve got this idea, and I need help.’ That’s what this place is for.”
As Te W’anake The Foundry celebrates this important milestone, the team is focused on the future — creating more opportunities for business growth and connection in South Taranaki.
And, with recent changes to New Zealand’s visitor visa rules allowing remote workers to legally work while visiting, Taranaki coworking spaces are set to welcome even more ambitious minds from around the globe.
Story by Dave Crampton
