About Business Bay of Islands

Supporting businesses to Enrich, Thrive and Shine

Information Pack
Become a Member

Business Bay of Islands is the local Business Association – it is an incorporation of businesses from Paihia, Russell, Waitangi, Opua, Haruru Falls, Kerikeri and Whangarei.   We aim to build a dynamic business environment and to be influential in decision making in our community.

Events we have coming up

20th March – Blatant Bragging Breakfast 7.30am to 8.30am at The Blue Door Paihia

  • Join us for the Blatant Bragging Breakfast, where Business Bay of Islands members get the chance to pitch, promote, and proudly boast about their business. It’s your chance to make connections, gain customers, and spread the word about what you do – all over a great breakfast.
  • If you want to you’ll have two uninterrupted minutes to pitch your business, share your unique selling proposition, and grab the attention of fellow members. After that, enjoy informal networking over a great breakfast.
  • Happening every third Thursday of the month, the Blatant Bragging Breakfast is your chance to shine!
  • RSVP info@businessboi.co.nz

Why join Business Bay of Islands

To promote your business

  • Members gain opportunities to increase their business visibility through association-led promotions and listings in member directories.   The association may also highlight member businesses on its website or social media, driving traffic and awareness. 
  • Visitor Website www.visitboi.co.nz
  • Business Association Website www.businessboi.co.nz

For education

  • We offer workshops, seminars, and resources that help members stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and business strategies.
  • Members gain access to expert knowledge on topics like marketing, financial management, and legal regulations, helping them make informed decisions and grow their business.

For networking and social events

  • We hold regular events for members to meet other business owners, potential clients, and industry experts, expanding their professional connections.
  • These social events provide a relaxed atmosphere for strengthening relationships, exchanging ideas, and growing a supportive business community.
  • The Blatant Bragging Breakfast – the 3rd Thursday of every month. 
  • The Need to Know Networking Event – last Wednesday of every quarter.

To get information

  • Members receive a weekly update to provide up-to-date information on what is happening in the region, workshops, events and business opportunities.

To have a voice and advocacy

  • We have our members’ interests at heart and advocate at local, regional, and national levels, to  benefit the business and local  community.
  • Members gain a voice in important matters affecting the local economy, helping to shape policies, influence decisions, and address challenges collectively, rather than individually. 

Drive visitation

  • We actively work to drive visitors to town.  Utilising the visitboi.co.nz website and social media.   
  • Our targeted marketing promotes businesses, offers, and events directly to tourists. 
  • We work hard to maintain visitor interest year-round.
  • Our members are featured on this website.

Events

  • We recognise the importance of events in the area. 
  • We promote the Bay of Islands as an events destination and encourage new events up here.
  • We have a robust events calendar on the visitboi.co.nz website.
  • We organise and run events – Christmas Parade, New Year’s Eve Fireworks, outdoor entertainment, have purchased a large outdoor movies screen.
  • Support local events, such as the Matariki Festival, and work with event organisers like Santarium to bring the Weetbix Challenge to the area. 
  • Members can become involved – by participating in and supporting local initiatives, members help shape the community and demonstrate commitment to its growth.
  • This involvement can help build relationships with other local business owners, and create opportunities to collaborate on projects that benefit both the business community and its residents.

Cruise Ships 

  • We administer and support the Cruise Ship Ambassador Scheme, which has been successful in pushing the Bay of Islands up in the ratings and increasing the number of cruise ships visiting.
  • We also manage the cruise ship communications to businesses. 

Business Paihia  is  continuously  looking  at  ways  to  improve the Bay of Islands,  whether  it  is  through infrastructure, communications with local bodies, or festival and events. 

Social Media

2024 Highlights

  • Fundraised and held the NY Eve Fireworks to see in 2024
  • Brynderwyn road closure advocacy for limited road closures and timings
  • Funded Russell and Paihia Matariki events
  • Supported Sanitarium to bring the Weetbix TRY Challenge back to Waitangi
  • Community street flags for 2024 events
  • Purchased an outdoor movie screen
  • Created a Summer events festival
    • Beach towel market
    • The Christmas gnome hunt
    • Paihia Christmas Parade
    • Street Circus
    • Free movie nights
    • Community Days on the green