Upcoming Events
Lunch with Infometrics: The Economy, The Election & Everything In Between
Join DWC, the Westport Enterprise Network and Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen for insights what’s ahead for the economy at sponsor venue EPIC Westport.
Uncertainty reigns supreme in the economy again in 2026, with ongoing global economic shocks, persistent wild weather, and an election to boot! For the economy, things were improving early in 2026 before the recovery was disrupted by conflict in the Middle East. Economic momentum is now recovering, but the path ahead remains scattered, with various challenges for businesses and households to grapple with. On top of all that, the general election in November will be a close-run thing, with questions around what key policies will mean for local communities.
Brad Olsen
Brad Olsen is the Principal Economist at Infometrics and is widely recognised as one of New Zealand’s most respected and engaging economic commentators. Nicknamed “Bad News Brad” by ZM’s Fletch, Vaughan, and Hayley, Brad has been described as a “boy wonder and economist extraordinaire” and “the face of economics in New Zealand” and has built a reputation for cutting through noise and getting to the heart of what really matters.
Brad calls it how he sees it, without fear or favour, in an engaging, witty, sometimes funny, but always informative way that helps audiences understand the economic forces shaping New Zealand and the decisions that sit ahead.
Reserve your spot:
Too Much to Do, Not Enough of You
We are very proud to partner with two of our business members, Tania Reynolds of Women Build Well and Epic Kawatiri Westport (as the venue sponsor) to bring to our members this special opportunity.
Too Much to Do, Not Enough of You?
How to focus your time and energy on what actually matters when you are running a business and a full life.
Wednesday 2nd September, 11am.
(Places limited to 16 so get in quickly - this pilot is open to Westport Enterprise Network members)
Maybe you don't actually need to get better at fitting everything in?
Despite what the expensive planners, colour-coded calendars and productivity hacks might have us believe, feeling constantly busy, tired and stretched isn't necessarily a time-management problem.
This workshop is a space for us to step out of the busyness for 90-minutes, long enough to notice what's actually happening and what actually deserves our precious time and energy. We'll ask some good questions, get clearer about what actually matters to you right now and explore what change might make an impact.
You'll leave feeling more in control of your time and energy, with a clearer sense of what really matters and more confidence to make intentional change towards a business and life that feels great to live.
Details are being emailed to members directly, including how to sign up.
WHEN: Wednesday 2 September | 11am
Venue proudly sponsored by Epic Kawatiri
DURATION: 90 minutes
COST: FREE
Bathurst Resources Presentation
Westport Enterprise Network Members-only event
Bathurst Resources Buller Plateaux Continuation Project Presentation
Thursday August 13
9.30am - 10.30am
Light morning tea provided.
Westport - Venue TBC
A morning information session providing an overview of the Buller Plateaux Continuation Project (BPCP), a presentation from Dr Sargent and further discussion about the Fast-track Approvals process and how communities can be involved.
The presentation from Dr Mark Sargent, Principal Consultant at Aigis Group, will provide his insights into the BPCP and its potential for economic, employment, and social benefits for Westport, the Buller District and wider West Coast region.
Dr Sargent prepared the Social Impact Assessment and Economic Impact Assessment for the BPCP and this event will allow members to hear his insights as well as an opportunity to engage in discussion about the BPCP.
This is a Westport Enterprise Network members-only event. Members will have received an email with details - sent to the email address used to register your membership. If you have not received this, please let us know.
WEN Monthly Networking and Speaker series
A monthly networking series that serves both as a casual monthly connection point, and a placeholder for guest speakers. Discussions are underway with potential speakers - who do you know who you’d like to hear from? Let us know.
The monthly series is generally based at Shortjaw Brewing but will move around venues as we secure interest.
WEN Launch
Join us for the official launch of the Westport Enterprise Network.
It’ll be a great chance to network with business, landowners, and organisations. We’ll be officially celebrating the launch with drinks and nibbles.
Guest speaker:
Ali Boswijk.
Chief Executive of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce, former Deputy Mayor of Nelson, and previously led international business development for World of Wearable Art. Few people know more about making regional business networks work.
Head here to RSVP and register your interest for the association.
Business Networking
Join us for business networking tomorrow from 5pm at Shortjaw Brewing.
Come along to learn more about the Westport Enterprise Network (WEN), and to meet and chat with other business owners from the Westport area.