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Businesses tell us they want policy settings that build confidence, support long-term planning and encourage investment in growing the economy. That means making it easier to start, grow and invest in a business, while backing the people and industries that will drive future growth.

Wellington is not in decline. Wellington is in transition. Those are two different things, and they call for two different conversations.

We’ve set out the small business policies announced by each party has announced so far and what they could mean for small businesses.

Originally published: The Post, 12 September 2026. A few weeks ago, a bunch of Wellington business leaders came together for a night at The Gods, the beautifully restored venue inside Wellington's old Paramount Theatre on Courtenay Place. More than 130 business owners, retail leaders, wealth managers, tertiary representatives, property investors, hospitality operators, developers, community leaders and people who care about Wellington gathered on a cold winter evening. To me,

Backing private sector growth These priorities focus on what Wellington needs from the next Government to restore confidence, attract investment and turn the capital’s strengths into stronger economic growth. Business Central represents more than 3,500 businesses across the central and lower North Island, and top of the South, and is part of the BusinessNZ network. We are also home to the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. Foreword from Hayley Horan Wellington is a city with dee

We recently hosted a panel discussion following the 2026 Budget announcement, featuring economist Cameron Bagrie, award winning ex-journalist Amanda Millar, director at Forté Recruitment Anita Murdoch, and moderator Jessica Mutch-McKay. While the conversation in the room was honest, pragmatic, and at times optimistic, there was one prevailing question – ‘what has changed?’ For many, the answer was simply; not a lot.

This week’s announcement by the Government about major changes to the public sector workforce is a clear demonstration of how both challenges and opportunities can co-exist.

Advocacy is one of those terms that gets used often, but is not always clearly explained. In a business context, it simply means representing your interests to the people who make decisions that affect how you operate. That includes government, local councils, and regulators. It’s about making sure the voice of business is heard when policies are being developed, reviewed, or changed. For most businesses, and especially small to medium–sized, that kind of engagement is not st

The ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards are now open for 2026, celebrating the exporters and individuals driving the region’s international success. This year marks an exciting milestone for the awards, with ABB announced as Platinum Sponsor. ABB steps into the role following its recognition as the 2025 Hawke’s Bay ASB Exporter of the Year - a full-circle moment that highlights its continued commitment to the region’s export community. Business Central CEO Hayley Horan s

Business confidence in Wellington lifted noticeably in the last quarter of last year, with many firms entering 2026 feeling more optimistic about their prospects, Wellington Chamber CEO Hayley Horan says. “What we’re hearing from Wellington businesses is realistic optimism. While the broader economic backdrop remains challenging, firms have built resilience and are beginning to see more possibility on the horizon.” The most striking change is in how businesses view their own

Business confidence across central New Zealand is firming, with Business Central’s latest Business Confidence Survey showing businesses slowly moving out of defensive mode and preparing for recovery. Business Central Chief Executive Hayley Horan says the results from the final quarter of 2025 point to a clear shift in mood. “Businesses are still realistic about the challenges ahead, but the tone is different. Confidence in the national economy has jumped, and that’s meaningfu

The ExportNZ ASB Central Region Export Awards are now open for 2026, returning to Wellington and expanding to include exporters from the Nelson Tasman region for the first time. Building on the success of last year’s sold-out Central Region awards, the 2026 event will be held in Wellington at Parliament’s iconic banquet hall on the 11 th of June - continuing the alternating hosting arrangement between Wellington and Palmerston North and highlighting Wellington’s importance t

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Mayor Andrew Little’s commitment to reduce Wellington’s commercial rates differential and to pursue sector-specific advisory councils, describing the announcements made yesterday at a sold-out Chamber event, as a significant pro-business signal from the new Mayor. Wellington Chamber CEO Hayley Horan says this represents a pivotal moment for Wellington’s business community. "For years we have urged a fairer commercial rates s

After a tough few years, Wellington has a golden opportunity to receive billions in Government infrastructure spending to improve our roading network. New tunnels at Mt Victoria and the Terrace along with Basin Reserve improvements and four-lanes on sections of SH1 have been desperately needed for decades. These chokepoints were never built to handle our current population and clog our city, economy and neighbourhoods. So what are the benefits to Wellington from NZTA’s propos

Following a comprehensive financial review and audit, Business Central has released its annual results for the 12 months ending 30 June 2025.The review for the year just concluded, included prior-period adjustments for the previous financial year, to ensure accuracy and transparency. One key adjustment involved reclassifying $800,000 of international trading revenue that had previously been recognised in FY23/24. This change followed expert advice and a review of revenue reco

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce congratulates Mayor Andrew Little and all newly elected members of the Wellington City Council, following the official swearing in of the new Council today.

The contributions of some of Wellington’s most prominent businesspeople were celebrated last night at the 2025 Wellington Address, hosted at Pipitea Marae. For the third-year running, the event recognised the mahi and relentless energy of three individuals and one business who have made outstanding contributions to our city. They are people who inspire others and help Wellington’s business community prosper and thrive. This year saw the beginning of a new era for The Wellingt

Business Central and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the appointment of Hayley Horan as its Chief Executive Officer, effective 10 November. As CEO, Ms Horan will lead the organisation’s strategic direction, member engagement, and policy influence. Ms Horan is a seasoned executive with a demonstrated history of bringing together business, government, and education to build more connected and resilient regional economies. Ms Horan has extensive networ

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly Business Confidence Survey highlights the need for Council to prioritize pro-business reform, Acting Chief Executive, Amanda Wood says. “Nearly 60% of businesses surveyed were very unsatisfied with the Council’s performance in supporting the business community and local economy, with 35% being very unsatisfied with their interactions with Council.” Businesses were asked if they felt supporting and growing business in Wellington i

Wellington stands at a crossroads. Our city possesses extraordinary advantages: New Zealand’s most knowledge intensive workforce, world-class creative industries, and consistent rankings among the world’s most liveable cities. Yet our growth is stagnant, and our private sector is lagging.