Manawatū Business Chamber

24/06/2026

📚 Did You Know? 📚

The Central Library may have opened in its current home on 25 May 1996, but the story of public libraries in Palmerston North began more than a century earlier.

In 1876, a group of local residents established a private Reading Room, recognising the value of access to books, newspapers, and knowledge. The initiative quickly gained community support, and by 1879, Palmerston North Borough Council had taken over its operation as a public lending library.

Fast forward to 1996, and the Central Library moved into its current award-winning home in the former C. M. Ross/DIC building. Designed by Athfield Architects, the building spans the block between George Street and Te Marae o Hine – The Square and has become one of the city's most recognisable public spaces.

From a small reading room established by community-minded residents to the modern library we know today, Palmerston North has a proud history of investing in learning, knowledge, and community connection.

20/06/2026

❄️ The Shortest Day of the Year ❄️

Today marks the Winter Solstice — the shortest day and longest night of the year.

While winter may have officially arrived, there's good news: from tomorrow, the days start getting longer again.

For businesses, winter can be a challenging season, but it's also a reminder that every season has its purpose. It's a time to focus on resilience, support one another, and continue backing the local businesses that help our communities thrive.

So grab a warm drink, check in on your neighbours, and remember — brighter days are ahead.

20/06/2026

This is shocking Freyberg High School 🥹 if anyone knows anything please contact the school or police.

These distinctly green Scott mountain bikes were stolen from Freyberg High School in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Please keep an eye out for them.

Please contact the school office if you have any information.

19/06/2026

The sun was shining on this fabulous water feature while we were visiting one of our members today. ✨
Can you guess who we were visiting?

19/06/2026

Well said MyBiz - Jeff Cruickshank Business Coach 👏💯 and congrats again on winning the card draw 🥳 Don't forget everyone that Yorb Manawatū Business Awards open on the 1 July

18/06/2026

🎉 What's On This Weekend? 🎉

The Manawatū is always buzzing with something happening, and we'd love to hear what's on your calendar this weekend.

Whether it's a community event, sports fixture, market, fundraiser, live music, theatre production, family outing, or simply supporting a local café or business, let us know!

👇 Tell us in the comments what's happening around the region this weekend and help others discover something new.

Let's celebrate everything that makes the Manawatū such a great place to live, work, and play.

18/06/2026

✨ What a fantastic evening at our Business After 5! ✨

A sincere thank you to Copthorne Hotel Palmerston North for hosting our members and showcasing the hotel’s impressive refurbishment. 🏨 The transformation is stunning and reflects a real commitment to providing a modern, welcoming experience for visitors and locals alike.

It was wonderful to see such a strong turnout, with plenty of familiar faces, new members attending their first BA5, and members we haven’t seen for some time. 🤝✨ The connections, conversations, and sense of community on display are exactly what make our Chamber network so valuable.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected business community across Manawatū. 💼🌟

We look forward to seeing you at our next event! 😊

🚀

18/06/2026

Please note start time for the BA5 event tonight is 5pm - not the normal 5:15pm. So don't be late. Thank you 🙂

17/06/2026

Love this Team Robinson Real Estate - Jess & Ian Robinson 💚🤍

We hope you are having the best time Jess ⚽️🏆

Kiwis have flocked to support the All Whites in their bid for Football World Cup glory. They have also been busy sending us photos from the venues and party zones - here is a selection.

17/06/2026

Build A Human Brand: Be Visible, Stay Authentic & Attract The Right Clients

You already have a reputation. The question is - How can you intentionally shape it into a personal brand that helps you achieve your business vision?

If you’re a smart, down-to-earth business owner who wants to take a more strategic approach to how you show up, this relaxed, interactive workshop is for you.

You’ll learn:
- What a personal brand is (and what it’s not)
- Why it matters for business owners
- The steps to defining your personal brand - so you can stand out, stay authentic, and attract the right clients


You’ll walk away with:
Greater clarity on how you want to be known professionally
More confidence in how you show up and talk about your business
A practical framework for building your personal brand intentionally
Ideas you can immediately apply to your marketing, networking and online presence


Facilitated by Renee Murphy from Human Stories
🗓 Date: Wednesday, 8th July, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:30-11 am (please arrive early - we start on time)
📍 Venue: Manawatu Business Chamber, 1/74 Grey St, Palmerston North
💰 Investment: $95 per person (+GST and booking fee = $115.20)

Tea, coffee & water provided

Register now: https://events.humanitix.com/building-a-human-brand/tickets

Spots are limited to 6 people - Secure your ticket today!

About your facilitator

Hi, I’m Renee Murphy. I'm a Brand Messaging Strategist who helps down-to-earth professionals build authentic personal brands so you can attract the right clients.