Mindset to Method: Continuous Improvement Workshop
2026-02-19 09:00 - 15:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Business Whanganui – Chamber of Commerce, 139 Guyton Street, Whanganui, 4501, New Zealand
Continuous Improvement Training: Process Mapping, Root Cause Analysis and Problem Solving
This full-day training session provides a practical introduction to the core tools and mindset of continuous improvement, delivered through a hands-on simulation. Participants learn key improvement techniques and apply them directly within a simulated process, reinforcing learning through practice.
The session is designed for those who have not previously attended Business Whanganui’s continuous improvement workshops. It brings together all essential content from earlier sessions into one comprehensive programme, with the added benefit of simulation-based learning.
A Shared Learning Requirement
To support effective adoption back in the workplace, participants must not attend as the sole representative of their organisation. At least one other person from the same organisation must have either attended previous training or be attending this session. Shared understanding is critical to embedding continuous improvement practices and sustaining momentum.
What the Session Covers
This training focuses on the foundational elements of a successful continuous improvement approach, including:

Understanding the continuous improvement mindset
Process mapping to make work visible
Root cause analysis to identify what is really driving issues
Practical problem-solving techniques

A strong emphasis is placed on customer thinking and on improving how problems are framed and communicated — particularly when raising issues with leaders. This helps ensure improvement conversations are constructive, clear, and solution-focused.
Outcomes for Participants
Participants will leave with:

A clear understanding of their role in continuous improvement
The confidence to contribute to improvement initiatives led by others
Practical capability to analyse process performance and identify improvement opportunities

At a Glance

Duration: 6 hours (morning and lunch breaks included)
Format: Interactive and practical
Audience: All inclusive manufacturing, product, office and service-based teams and leaders
Outcome: A motivated team equipped to identify, solve, and improve
Cost: No charge to attend
Booking: Essential — places are limited

Funding
This session is fully funded through the Productive Whanganui partnership with Whanganui District Council.

Book Club for Business
2026-02-19 10:00 - 11:00 | FRANK., 60 Ridgway Street, Whanganui, 4500, New Zealand
About Book Club:
Book Club for business is a relaxed, facilitated space for business owners and leaders who value connection, ideas, and thoughtful conversation.
Shaped by member feedback, the Book Club continues in 2026 with a clarified purpose and a light structure that supports inclusive, purposeful discussion while keeping the focus on books, ideas, and meaningful conversation.
Sessions are theme-led rather than book-led. We’ll explore one theme at a time, drawn from topic areas such as Leadership, Strategy, Customers, and Workforce, using a range of ideas, readings, and perspectives to prompt discussion.
Reading is always optional. There’s no set text and no expectation to prepare. What matters is showing up, listening, and engaging in a respectful, well-facilitated conversation with peers who understand the realities of business.
If you value time to step back from the day-to-day and think alongside others, the Book Club will be a good fit.
What to expect:

Theme-led discussions, not a single set book
Light facilitation to ensure everyone has a voice
Optional reading — no homework pressure
A focus on ideas, perspective, and conversation

Book Club is a good fit if you:

Enjoy thinking about leadership and business beyond the day-to-day
Value discussion, listening, and learning from peers
Like structure without formality
Want ideas and perspective rather than problem-solving

If you’re after space to pause, reflect, and engage in good conversation with other business people, you’ll feel comfortable here.
It may not be for you if you’re looking for:

A mentoring programme
Hands-on business troubleshooting
A purely operational or technical session

Contact us for more information about this type of business support
Time and date:
Meets monthly on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 10.00am-11.00am (1-hour)
Where:
Note: the venue for the February meeting is FRANK. 60 Ridgway Street, Whanganui.
Subsequent sessions will be held at Business Whanganui, 139 Guyton Street, Whanganui (limited parking in the Courtyard, otherwise on-street parking please)
Register:
To join book club or sign up for book club updates, register below.

Attendance is complimentary and included as part of Business Whanganui membership.

Business for Breakfast
2026-03-10 07:00 - 08:30 | Business Whanganui – Chamber of Commerce, 139 Guyton Street, Whanganui, 4501, New Zealand
​Business for Breakfast is a monthly event featuring a guest speaker from business, speaking on a topic of interest to the business community. Each session is paired with good food and coffee, and time to connect with other local business owners and leaders before the workday begins.
Food and drinks can be ordered in advance at the time of registration, or on the day. Buy your own breakfast. No charge to attend.
Choose your breakfast from FRANK.’s delicious menu — pre-order (recommended) or order on the day.📋 Pre-orders: Let us know your food and drink choices in the booking form – drink and food☕ Please note: Food and drinks are at your own cost.
Check out the menu here
Whether you’re growing your network, swapping ideas, or simply enjoying a relaxed start with like-minded local businesspeople, this is your place at the table.
Voice of Business – Guest Speaker
Real people. Real businesses. Real experience.
Each month at Business for Breakfast, we shine a spotlight on local business leaders who share their stories, insights, and lessons learned from real-world experience. Our Voice of Business speakers bring practical tips, personal stories, and inspiration you can take back to your own business.
Coming along? Give us a heads-up so we can save you a seat — and start your day with good food, good company, and great conversation.

Unleashing a Productivity Mindset: Manufacturing & Product-based Businesses
2026-03-12 09:00 - 11:00 | Business Whanganui – Chamber of Commerce, 139 Guyton Street, Whanganui, 4501, New Zealand
Improving Productivity through Continuous Improvement
This two-hour training session provides a practical introduction to continuous improvement for manufacturing and product-based organisations. It helps teams step back, look critically at how work is done, and identify opportunities to improve performance through small, practical changes.
Continuous improvement is not limited to managers or specialists. It is a shared approach that enables people at all levels to contribute to better ways of working, every day.
What Participants Will Gain
Participants will leave with:

A clear understanding of continuous improvement principles
The ability to identify problems, inefficiencies, and opportunities
Practical tools to support meaningful and sustainable change

What the Session Covers
Lean and Continuous ImprovementAn overview of the two approaches, why businesses invest in them, and the outcomes they support.
Four Key Steps to Better PerformanceA simple, proven framework for improving processes and productivity.
Leadership and Team CultureHow effective leaders enable improvement, and how to build a culture where improvement is part of everyday work.
AI and the Future of ImprovementAn introduction to how current AI tools can support smarter, more efficient ways of working.
Who Should Attend
This session is suitable for all team members and leaders, from the factory floor through to management. It is ideal for organisations that are:

New to continuous improvement
Looking to refresh or strengthen existing knowledge
Seeking practical ways to improve how teams work together

We recommend multiple people from the same organisation attend. Shared learning helps embed the mindset, create a common language, and support progress back in the workplace.
At a Glance

Duration: 2 hours
Format: Interactive and practical
Audience: Manufacturing and product-based teams and leaders
Outcome: A motivated team equipped to identify, solve, and improve
Cost: No charge to attend
Booking: Essential — places are limited

Unleashing a Productivity Mindset: Offices and Service-based Businesses
2026-03-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Business Whanganui – Chamber of Commerce, 139 Guyton Street, Whanganui, 4501, New Zealand
Improving Service Performance through Continuous Improvement
This two-hour training session provides a practical introduction to continuous improvement for service-based organisations. It helps teams step back, look objectively at how work is done, and identify opportunities to improve productivity, service quality, and customer experience through small, practical changes.
Continuous improvement is not limited to managers or specialists. It is a shared approach that enables people at all levels to contribute to better ways of working, every day.
What Participants Will Gain
Participants will leave with:

A clear understanding of continuous improvement principles
The ability to identify issues, inefficiencies, and opportunities in service delivery
Practical tools to support meaningful and sustainable improvement

What the Session Covers
Lean and Continuous ImprovementAn overview of the two approaches, why service organisations invest in them, and the outcomes they support.
Four Key Steps to Better PerformanceA simple, proven framework for improving service flow, reducing friction, and lifting efficiency.
Leadership and Team CultureHow effective leaders support improvement, and how to build a culture where everyone contributes to better outcomes.
AI and the Future of ImprovementAn introduction to how current AI tools can enhance service delivery, streamline processes, and support smarter ways of working.
Who Should Attend
This session is suitable for all team members and leaders, from frontline staff through to management. It is ideal for organisations that are:

New to continuous improvement
Looking to refresh or strengthen existing knowledge
Seeking practical ways to improve service delivery and consistency

We recommend multiple people from the same organisation attend. Shared learning supports a common language, strengthens understanding, and makes it easier to embed improvement back in the workplace.
At a Glance

Duration: 2 hours
Format: Interactive and practical
Audience: Service-based teams and leaders
Outcome: A motivated team equipped to identify, solve, and improve
Cost: No charge to attend
Booking: Essential — places are limited

Business Whanganui Book Club
2026-03-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Business Whanganui – Chamber of Commerce, 139 Guyton Street, Whanganui, 4501, New Zealand
About Book Club:
Book Club for Business is a relaxed, facilitated space for business owners and leaders who value connection, ideas, and thoughtful conversation.
Shaped by member feedback, the Book Club runs a light structure that supports inclusive, purposeful discussion while keeping the focus on books, ideas, and meaningful conversation.
Sessions are theme-led rather than book-led. We explore one theme at a time, drawn from topic areas such as Leadership, Strategy, Customers, and Workforce, using a range of ideas, readings, and perspectives to prompt discussion.
Reading is always optional. There’s no set text and no expectation to prepare. What matters is showing up, listening, and engaging in a respectful, well-facilitated conversation with peers who understand the realities of business.
If you value time to step back from the day-to-day and think alongside others, the Book Club will be a good fit.
What to expect:

Theme-led discussions, not a single set book
Light facilitation to ensure everyone has a voice
Optional reading — no homework pressure
A focus on ideas, perspective, and conversation

Book Club is a good fit if you:

Enjoy thinking about leadership and business beyond the day-to-day
Value discussion, listening, and learning from peers
Like structure without formality
Want ideas and perspective rather than problem-solving

If you’re after space to pause, reflect, and engage in good conversation with other business people, you’ll feel comfortable here.
It may not be for you if you’re looking for:

A mentoring programme
Hands-on business troubleshooting
A purely operational or technical session

Contact us for more information about this type of business support
Time and date:
Meets monthly on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 10.00am-11.00am (1-hour)
Where:
Note: the venue for the February meeting is FRANK. 60 Ridgway Street, Whanganui.
Subsequent sessions will be held at Business Whanganui, 139 Guyton Street, Whanganui (limited parking in the Courtyard, otherwise on-street parking please)
Register:
To join book club or sign up for book club updates, register below.

Attendance is complimentary and included as part of Business Whanganui membership.

Business for Breakfast
2026-04-14 07:00 - 08:30 | Business Whanganui – Chamber of Commerce, 139 Guyton Street, Whanganui, 4501, New Zealand
Join us at Business for Breakfast — where the coffee, food, and company are all excellent. Whether you’re new to the business community or a familiar face, this is your chance to connect, share ideas, and build meaningful relationships.
Bring your business cards and make the most of the opportunity to connect with others and share what your business has to offer.
Choose your breakfast from FRANK.’s delicious menu — pre-order (recommended) or order on the day.📋 Pre-orders: Let us know your food and drink choices in the booking form – drink and food☕ Please note: Food and drinks are at your own cost.
Check out the menu here
Whether you’re growing your network, swapping ideas, or simply enjoying a relaxed start with like-minded local businesspeople, this is your place at the table.
Voice of Business – Guest Speaker
Real people. Real businesses. Real experience.
Each month at Business for Breakfast, we shine a spotlight on local business leaders who share their stories, insights, and lessons learned from real-world experience. Our Voice of Business speakers bring practical tips, personal stories, and inspiration you can take back to your own business.
Coming along? Give us a heads-up so we can save you a seat — and start your day with good food, good company, and great conversation.

Safer Business Forum Q2 2026
2026-05-18 17:30 - 19:00

Safer Business Forum Q3 2026
2026-08-17 17:30 - 19:00 | Business Whanganui – Chamber of Commerce, 139 Guyton Street, Whanganui, 4501, New Zealand

Safer Business Forum Q4 2026
2026-11-16 17:30 - 19:00 | Business Whanganui – Chamber of Commerce, 139 Guyton Street, Whanganui, 4501, New Zealand
