Business Development Support
Ruapehu District Council is committed to constant improvement to support local businesses and their development. Below is some information or useful links if you are looking to start up a new business or expand your existing business.
Ruapehu District is support by the Regional Business Partners Network.
Get help to grow your business.
This service is free to registered business, follow the links to register and receive updates and invitations that might be useful for your business. Once you've registered with the program, they will match you with a local growth advisor, who will help you take a birds-eye look at your whole business. Based on your specific needs, they'll connect you with the right resources, people, training and funding to help move your business forward.
Business Mentors
Business Mentors New Zealand connects business owners and entrepreneurs with those who can provide one-on-one advice to help them start, grow or solve business challenges and share their experiences.
For information around the demographics of our region to help inform you of the make up of our district go to:
Funding Opportunities:
Management Capability Development Fund
Your business may qualify for Management Capability Development co-funding, up to 50% of the training or advice costs, with a RBP registered service provider. A service provider may be an accountant, a marketing or business strategy specialist, for example.
Capability Development Vouchers
NOTE: The maximum amount a business can receive in one year is $5,000 (excluding GST).
Research & Development Funding
Investing in research and development (R&D) can create and sustain a winning edge for your business. It can lead to new products and services, and smarter, more efficient ways of doing things. It could also create a point of difference that is aligned with the needs of your customers and sets you apart from your competitors.
You can speak to your RBP Business Growth Advisor about this fund.
Delivered by Callaghan Innovation, R&D services are designed to build your capability in innovation and put you on the fast-track to commercialising your business.
Business Startups.
Ruapehu District Council also collaborates and support Thrive Whanganui, a charitable trust which supports social enterprise and works with a number of individuals within our district to realize their business ideas. Contact Thrive Whanganui, for more information.
Whanganui charitable trust Thrive launches Boss Book to help self-starters - NZ Herald
There are three Business Associations in the Ruapehu District which will also help support and help inform your business.
National Park Business Association, Ohakune Inc, and Enterprising Taumarunui.
If your business is tourism related then subscribe free with Tourism New Zealand, to list your business. Working with us | Corporate (tourismnewzealand.com)
Subscribe to our Regional Tourism Organization www.visitrupehu.co.nz to get up to date information, data, market your business and network with other local business. Visit Ruapehu is a council controlled organization.
Also, contact the Ruapehu isites, in Ohakune & Taumarunui, in order to sell your business products to locals and visitors within the district. Free leaflet and poster displays are available to Ruapehu District wide businesses. There is also the ability to show images on our digital screens. The isites are open 7 days a week every day of the year except for Christmas day, and are a platform to support your business. The Ruapehu isites are owned by Ruapehu District Council. 0800 647483 or email [email protected]
For any general queries or if you would like to speak to someone in person, please contact:
Kim Treen, Business Relationship & Development Manager, Ruapehu District Council:
Mobile: 0275 053141 or email [email protected]
Useful links:
Ruapehu Livability (livinginruapehu.co.nz
Economic Development Strategy 2018-28, Oct 18 (R).pdf (ruapehudc.govt.nz)
Some things to consider...
What consents do I need?
Each Council has its own rules and regulations about what business activity is allowed in different areas. Even if you have done business elsewhere, it is best to check our District Plan rules and other regulations first. For instance, it is unlikely that you would be able to have a pig farm in a residential area.
Early investigation can save both time and money. Tell us your ideas and we can help you with what you need to know from Council.
- Will you need signs? What are the rules?
- Will you need car parking?
- Are you selling food or alcohol? What do you need to know about this?
District Plan zoning
The District Plan has different zones where businesses and industries can set up. These include commercial, industrial, residential and rural zones - for rural-based businesses.
There may be different rules for different zones. For example:
- What activities are allowed within a particular zone or property.
- How much noise you can make.
- The hours of operation of your business.
- How much parking you need to provide for staff and customers.
- The use of hazardous chemicals on the site.
If you have a specific location in mind, check the Ruapehu District Plan and Horizons' One Plan for rules that apply to that location.
Market research and business advice
Market research is critical to validating your business idea and ensuring a viable market exists. Council provides links to a number of useful sites including population, economic and other information.
There is a range of information and tools available to assist in starting your own business, from assessing the feasibility of your idea to registering a domain name to including a recruiting service to retain staff with assistance from Work and Income.