Mainstreet Whanganui is a not-for-profit town centre management organisation representing the Whanganui CBD.  We work to promote local businesses and make our central city as vibrant and attractive as possible.

We were established in 1991, a time when Whanganui's CBD had grown increasingly tired and was in serious economic decline.  30 years on, the economic outlook has vastly improved and perceptions of our city have changed significantly - with Whanganui regularly topping the list as New Zealand's most beautiful city.

From our outset, Mainstreet has been a catalyst for change in Whanganui, both as an advocacy group supporting local businesses, and as a grassroots organisation, carrying out beautification works and managing events in the central city.

Our Remit Area
Mainstreet is responsible for looking after the eight blocks along Victoria Avenue, between Taupo Quay and Ingestre Street - the heart of Whanganui's Central Business District.

How We're Funded
We are funded primarily through a targeted levy paid by CBD building owners in their general rates.  This levy pays for essential maintenance services, daily street cleaning, and ongoing beautification works.
Whanganui District Council also provides Mainstreet with some funding for additional maintenance work and we regularly apply for grants for support with our events.  We also generate a modest amount of revenue through fundraising activities, selling advertising space, and helping to manage events.

 

 

Keeping Our Central City Beautiful
Our operations team carry out a range of services to keep our central city looking its best, including:

• daily cleaning of our streets and public facilities 
• maintaining our street furniture, gas lamps and archways
• maintaining our gardens, flowerbeds and hanging flower baskets 
• decorating our trees with festive lighting 
• graffiti removal 

 
Promoting Local Businesses
We work to promote Whanganui’s CBD as a great place to visit and shop, through:

• our website
• social media promotions on Facebook and Instagram
• street flag advertising at five strategically located sites (available for booking)
• Our Aroha Local gift cards which can be redeemed at selected Mainstreet businesses

 
Organising Annual Events 
We help organise and manage several popular local events in our central city including:

• The Fest of Cultural Unity (October)
• The Mainstreet Christmas Parade (December)
• The Mainstreet Caboodle – Whanganui Vintage Weekend (January)
  

 
Advocating For Our Members
Advocating on behalf of local businesses is another important role for us. We work closely with Council on projects affecting the CBD – particularly to ensure our heritage values are preserved and best practice urban design principles are adopted. To be effective advocates, it’s important we hear the views of our members – so we regularly carry out surveys to gather feedback and ideas. We also welcome your input at any time – so if you have ideas or concerns relating to the CBD, please let us know.
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Mark Dyhrberg
CHAIRPERSON
Mark’s been ensuring the movers and shakers of downtown Whanganui are well-caffeinated for years now with his popular café Jolt on lower Victoria Avenue. This has given him many insights into the challenges and opportunities of running a small business in Whanganui – as a unique ear to the ground with the local business community. As a Chair, he hopes to support the success of other small business and ensure they a strong voice at the table when it comes to town planning decisions.

Pat Clay
DEPUTY CHAIR
After spending many years abroad in the UK and US as an accountant, Pat returned home to New Zealand for a change of career – in the fountain pen business.  After establishing Inkt online, Pat and his wife decided Whanganui would be great spot to set up a physical business, and they soon opened a store on Victoria Avenue. Pat cites the work of Mainstreet as a key factor in their decision to move here. He hopes to support Mainstreet to make our inner city even better in his role as Deputy Chair. 

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​Steve Poka
Steve Poka and his wife May are owners of the Thai Villa Restaurant on lower Victoria Avenue. Steve and May also operate a Whanganui company importing a range of difference types of rice as well as authentic Thai curry pastes form Thailand through their company, SP Herb Ltd. Steve also brings experience in the security and investigations industry.   

Steven Kerridge
A former Auckland-based electrician turned commercial property investor, Steven and his family chose to settle in Whanganui after deciding they wanted to try something new. The hospitality shown towards them since arriving has been wonderful and they are looking forward to giving back to the community and raising their two children here. Steven hopes to bring a fresh perspective to the Board as someone from out of town.

Dave Moore
Originally from Wellington, Dave is an experienced master builder specialising in restoring classic villas. Co-owner of Villa Services with his wife Marina, his team have already helped revitalise a number of heritage buildings in Whanganui since moving here in 2018. As a Board member, Dave is keen to help unlock the potential of Whanganui’s inner city building stock while safeguarding our heritage values and creating a more vibrant city centre.

Nikki Oesterle
Nikki Oesterle is the brainchild of Papati Gin!
A recent transplant to Whanganui, embarked on a spontaneous adventure with partner Adrian Rumney that led them to fall in love with a charming property on Papaiti Road.
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36 Ridgway Street,
Whanganui 4500

Phone 06 348 0157
​email [email protected]