Wellington tech hub adds NZD $11.9 million GDP & 127 jobs

A Wellington technology hub has generated NZD $11.9 million of GDP and supported 127 full-time jobs in its first year of operation.

Taiawa Wellington Tech Hub is situated at Victoria University of Wellington's Pipitea campus and focuses on accelerating growth for innovation-led businesses. The hub was established by WellingtonNZ, Wellington City Council and Victoria University of Wellington as part of the regional government's economic development strategy.

According to WellingtonNZ, Taiawa is delivering a range of support services for startups, from flexible workspaces and university partnerships to networks of investors and mentors. The aim is to facilitate business growth without requiring founders to commit to lengthy office leases, allowing companies to stay nimble as they develop.

There are currently 60 dedicated desks in the hub, along with meeting and social spaces designed to foster collaboration among startups, university students and staff, and industry professionals. In the first 12 months, 20 businesses have utilised the hub's facilities, benefiting from access to research collaborations, student internships, and business-focused events, such as the regular Toast Tuesday meetups.

Stuart Taylor, WellingtonNZ's General Manager Business and Innovation, outlined the hub's role in the region's innovation ecosystem:

"Taiawa is more than a place to work – it's a catalyst for scale. The combination of university access, entrepreneurial energy, and public sector support creates the conditions where businesses can thrive."

One of the hub's resident companies, Speculo, recently relocated its entire platform infrastructure from Australia to New Zealand. Chris Hawksworth, co-founder of Speculo, credits the hub's environment for helping accelerate the company's expansion:

"Taiawa has been instrumental in helping us tap into local talent and grow faster. It's an inspiring place to build – the people, the access, and the support all add up to something really powerful."

The flexible operational model at Taiawa is designed to offer the advantages of an innovation centre while minimising administrative or financial overheads for growing companies. Resident startups have been able to participate in research partnerships and take on student interns, and they have access to a programme of training and networking events.

The hub's performance is highlighted by the recent recognition of companies that have established their base in Taiawa. Two startups, Evithé Biotechnology and Roady, were named finalists at The Post Gold Awards 2025. Evithé Biotechnology was featured in the Innovation Gold category for its work on patented botanical prescription drugs, while Roady won the Emerging Gold category with a travel app designed to help users explore and plan trips, providing access to local expertise.

Professor Nic Smith, Vice-Chancellor of Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, commented on the wider significance of the partnership:

"It's exciting to see our connection with Taiawa bringing research and teaching to life, fostering collaboration for staff and students, and adding to Wellington's vibrancy as a place to work, study, and thrive."

Taiawa remains jointly supported by WellingtonNZ and Wellington City Council. The project is identified as a key component of the Wellington Regional Economic Development Plan, focusing on providing services and infrastructure to support high-potential businesses.

Additional information provided by WellingtonNZ notes that the GDP and job estimates are sourced from the Infometrics Economic Impact Report, which examined the 12 months to March 2025. The report's figures reflect the activity generated by the nine main resident businesses over the period.

Taiawa builds on ongoing regional efforts to promote business development and connections between local government, the university sector and industry participants. The hub's model provides pathways for student engagement, commercial research activity and startup formation in an environment intended to be accessible and collaborative.