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 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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Mainstreet Chairperson

​Nikki Oesterle
Nikki has an extensive background in Brand and Marketing, with experience across diverse industry sectors both in New Zealand and overseas. As the Co-founder and Managing Director of Papaiti Gin, she has successfully grown an award-winning business promoting locally produced spirits while also contributing to the Visitor Industries sector in Whanganui. Passionate about her chosen home, she is dedicated to revitalising the central business district and helping the community thrive. She holds a double Master's degree in Political Sciences and International Marketing and is also a Board Member of Distilled Spirits Aotearoa (DSA).
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Mainstreet Board Members

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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.

Michelle Excell
Michelle brings extensive experience in digital marketing, creative technology, and business transformation to the Mainstreet Whanganui board. Relocating from San Francisco in 2023, she's passionate about local job creation and upskilling, especially for rangatahi. Her background spans digital production, marketing, and advertising agencies across Auckland, Melbourne, New York, and San Francisco. Michelle runs her own consulting business specializing in immersive technologies (AR/VR, 3D, animation) and is involved with a startup currently in an accelerator program. A dedicated community member, she's involved with Business Whanganui, Tech Whanganui, the National Digital Forum, and the Film Society, and serves as a Special Advisory Trustee for the City of Possibility initiative. Michelle is committed to leveraging digital tools to boost local business visibility and commerce.​

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.

 

 

 

52A Victoria Avenue,
Whanganui 4500

Phone 06 348 0157
​email [email protected]