ABOUT US
Bay of Islands Business Association
WHO WE ARE
Business Bay of Islands Inc. is the collective voice of the Bay’s business community - connecting, supporting, and representing local enterprises.
Business Bay of Islands Inc. (BBOI) is the official business association for the Bay of Islands region. Representing businesses from Paihia, Russell, Waitangi, Opua, Haruru Falls, Kerikeri, and surrounding areas, we aim to build a dynamic business environment and to be influential in decision-making in our community. Our Executive Committee is made up of local business owners and operators who volunteer their time to support and represent the Bay’s business community. Meet them here.
VISION
To be influential in community decision-making and to build a collaborative business environment that celebrates the unique strengths of Paihia, Russell, and Opua.
PURPOSE
To connect, support, and represent local businesses through advocacy, collaboration, and shared initiatives that contribute to the prosperity of the wider Bay of Islands community.
OUR STORY & WHAT WE DO
BBOI is made from former individual business associations in Paihia, Russell and Opua as we recognised that together our voice is stronger. Each area is bringing its local expertise and network, and by merging, we have created one unified association with greater influence, resource-sharing and collective impact.
The Committee sets direction and provides oversight, while the real work is delivered through dedicated Working Groups, to which any member is invited to join:
CORE WORKING GROUPS
- Membership WG – focuses on member engagement, onboarding, benefits review and retention.
- Marketing – Destination & BBOI WG – promotes the Bay of Islands and member visibility.
- Community Events WG – plans and executes community events
- Networking & Education WG – arranges member networking and educational events
- Collaboration WG – joint initiatives between members, organizations and government bodies.
- Opua Gateway & Marine Activities WG – focuses on the Opua and marine-industry priorities
- Retail WG – represents, supports and advocates for retail-sector businesses across the Bay.
Topical / Project-Based Groups
In addition to core working groups, BBOI has also formed groups around specific issues or projects and may operate for a set period, some of them being CCTV Project, Cruise Ships, Resilience Project, Health & Safety Working and Finance.
Members are encouraged to participate, share ideas and take advantage of these opportunities, helping to shape BBOI from the inside and ensuring the association reflects your business priorities.
2025 HIGHLIGHTS
- Fundraised and held the NY Eve (2025)
- Worked with the former Opua Business Association to merge with Business Bay of Islands Inc
- Purchased an outdoor movie screen
- Created a Summer events festival that included:
- Paihia Christmas Parade
- Street Circus
- Free movie nights
- Community Days on the green
OUR SPONSORS
2025 AGM REPORT
The Chairperson’s Report for 2024 offers a snapshot of the past year’s progress highlighting what has been achieved and where our priorities lie for the year ahead. It’s a clear look at the work happening behind the scenes.
JOIN US - BECOME A MEMBER
Membership is $160 + GST per year.