📸 Business Whanganui’s Helen Garner with some of the Safety Managers Forum group March 2025
Health and Safety Managers ensure workplace safety, compliance, and effective training in today’s complex business environment. To support and strengthen these efforts, Business Whanganui, in collaboration with local businesses, has launched the Safety Managers Forum—a monthly gathering dedicated to networking, knowledge sharing, and improving access to essential resources.
This business-led initiative, supported by the Business Whanganui Chamber of Commerce, focuses on enhancing industry capabilities rather than promoting specific products or services. The forum fosters meaningful discussions, collaboration, and professional development in workplace health and safety. Initially, participation was extended to larger businesses with dedicated Health & Safety Managers or Coordinators to ensure a focused and impactful exchange of expertise.
The forum’s inaugural meeting was held at the Chamber office on Wednesday, 26 March, bringing together representatives from some of the region’s largest businesses across a range of industries. This first session laid the foundation for future meetings and established key focus areas.
Helen Garner, Chief Executive of Business Whanganui, expressed enthusiasm about the forum’s potential: “The energy and willingness to share ideas and resources were exactly what we had hoped for. The opportunity to reflect on challenges and explore solutions was well received. Seeing a collective commitment to supporting smaller businesses from the start was also encouraging.”
The group agreed to meet monthly and to develop a professional development program to maximise the value of their participation. Garner added: “We have already seen significant interest from external providers keen to support the forum. Some key topics raised during the initial discussions included safety systems, technology, worker engagement, literacy, and mental well-being.”
With strong momentum and a clear focus, the Safety Managers Forum is set to become a valuable platform for fostering a safer and more resilient business community in Whanganui.
Contact:
Helen Garner
Chief Executive
Business Whanganui – Chamber of Commerce
139 Guyton Street, Whanganui
Direct +64 21 771 643
Email: ceo@businesswhanganui.nz
www.businesswhanganui.nz
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