In the dynamic landscape of employment and community life in Wellington, Tawa stands out as a hub of opportunity and connection. As we navigate through 2024, the suburb's supportive business environment, family-friendly amenities, and vibrant community initiatives are becoming increasingly significant. Let’s explore how Tawa offers solutions for everyone, from entrepreneurs to families, shaping the vibrant life and opportunities in this region.
Tawa: A Hub of Opportunity
With projected population growth in Wellington, Tawa is positioning itself as a desirable place to live, work and play. Accessibility is a significant advantage in Tawa, thanks to its ease of access south to Wellington CBD (17 minutes by car) and north to the Kāpiti Coast (29 minutes by car) and its excellent public transport system, where a 15-minute train trip will have you in Wellington CBD and the on-demand bus service allows for a restful journey back up the hill to your home. All which makes commuting easy and stress-free.
However, Tawa's appeal goes beyond transport—it’s a community dedicated to inclusivity and support, fostering a strong sense of belonging. One of our business owners Maureen Bowring from Haircraft Centre spoke about our supportive Tawa community.
Maureen has been a business owner since 1978. The majority of her family consists of hairdressers and barbers. She says, "Tawa community really supports their local businesses." She emphasized that if you are really good at your job, you will attract customers not only from Tawa but also from far and wide. As Tawa connects to many other regions, she manages clients from Porirua, Lower Hutt, Wellington City, Kāpiti, and Ōtaki.
Tawa offers a strategic location that connects to Wellington and other key regions. From the town centre, along the Main Road and through to the Outlet City retail park and onto the newly completed Takapū Rise business park, there are significant opportunities for business investment for entrepreneurs, established business owners looking to upsize or new business owners looking at taking their first step into commercial premises.
Family-Friendly with Community Connections
Tawa’s reputation as a family-friendly suburb cannot be overstated. Families find Tawa to be a haven with its abundance of amenities, excellent schools, and safe neighborhoods. The community is known for its vibrant spirit and strong support system, making it an ideal place to raise children and build lasting relationships.
Regular community events further enhance the collaborative spirit, providing ample networking opportunities and fostering community-based connections. While Wellington City is teeming with opportunities, Tawa offers both the comfort of a close-knit community and a wealth of open spaces, sporting venues and options for young and old to let off steam. The annual Spring Into Tawa event draws thousands of people into the Main Road to celebrate with unique stalls, exciting entertainment, free activities for children and trucks full of fabulous food.
Tony Afendoulis, co-owner of Lowe & Co. Tawa, says, "I have been living in Tawa for 37 years. I love Tawa. Tawa captured my heart. I have always dreamed of becoming a business owner and being courageous. When the opportunity came, I found the perfect office building in Tawa. Being already familiar with the ins and outs of Tawa was advantageous. Through my community work, people in Tawa know me on both a personal and professional level. My advice to anyone thinking about launching a business in Tawa, or who has just started, is to get to know your surroundings, build relationships with the people in Tawa, be genuine, take time to learn what works and what doesn't, and you'll thrive."
Tony is also an executive team member with the Tawa Business Group. He said: "With Tawa Business Group's recent efforts on the subject of paid parking, they truly helped our voices be heard by Wellington City Council (WCC). The introduction of suburban paid parking would have harmed our businesses, but we were fortunate to have an active Tawa BID that advocated for us, resulting in WCC dropping the suburban paid parking proposal from their long-term plan."
Tawa Offers Business Solutions for Everyone
Tawa is more than just a suburb of Wellington; it’s a thriving business community where everyone can find solutions to their needs. Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat, a change of tyres for your car, a kitchen re-fit, or financial or legal advice, Tawa has something for you. Our Business Directory is an ideal starting point to find exactly what you're looking for.
Judith Gray shares her experience: "Nada Bakery originally started in 1975 in Hataitai, Wellington. We had seven retail shops around the city at one stage. In 1984, we decided to consolidate down to one shop in Johnsonville. In 2011, we opened a purpose-built baking facility with a café in Tawa, and we thought it would be good to have something at the southern end of the suburb. I have lived in Tawa since 1982, raised my family here, and now most of them have bought their own homes in Tawa.
The community is very diverse and has a wide demographic. People are very welcoming, and once they live in Tawa, they want the area to succeed. If your business captures them, they will be pleased to be your customers. If you operate on a national or global market, Tawa is well-placed to access Wellington City and beyond".

In addition to its laudable location, the presence of a skilled workforce and local talent pool makes Tawa an attractive destination for businesses looking to establish or expand their operations. Collaborative initiatives and community connections further enhance the business landscape, promoting innovation and growth. In Tawa, everyone can find their niche and thrive. Whether you’re looking to start a business, upgrade or downsize your business, or simply enjoy a welcoming and dynamic business community, Tawa offers solutions for everyone.
Kash from Skye Candle and Body Care, is keen to share why she chose Tawa as her business destination:
Kash says: "I started Skye Candle from my garage at home. As the business grew, I began searching for the perfect location to expand. I often came to Tawa to drop off my daughter at childcare and visit the gym. One day, I saw a commercial property listing sign and immediately fell in love with the shop. The leasing process was incredibly smooth, and I have a great landlord.
Everyone in Tawa is so supportive and loves to back their local businesses. Recently, I celebrated my third anniversary of opening my store here, and I couldn't be more thankful. I have customers from all over Wellington and beyond. Tawa offers so much, such as amazing cafés, restaurants, bush walks, shopping, hairdressers, and a safe environment. My customers love to hang around and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Even on cold, rainy days, people come here to shop.
My advice to anyone considering starting a business is to "write down your goals and achieve them one by one."
Work from Home
Working from home has transformed our approach to employment with many people combining flexibility between the work and home office, enhancing their much-needed work-life balance. This shift not only suits personal preferences but also fosters a more inclusive and diverse workforce, opening up opportunities for individuals with disabilities and those in remote areas.
Working close to home also offers significant benefits, reducing the stress of commuting and promoting mental well-being—it's almost like working from home. Many employers in Tawa offer flexible working options, further enhancing the appeal of local employment. In Tawa, businesses are increasingly advertising jobs through various portals to attract local talent, including our job vacancy page, which is continuously updating jobs in Tawa.
Is Tawa a Rising Star for Work and Community in Wellington?
With its strategic location, vibrant community, and supportive business environment, Tawa is rapidly gaining recognition as an ideal place to live, work, and visit. Entrepreneurs and established business owners benefit from the increasing foot traffic and excellent connectivity to other key regions, ensuring a steady flow of customers and opportunities. The community’s diverse and welcoming nature, combined with excellent schools and family-friendly amenities, makes Tawa an attractive destination for families looking to settle down. The strong local support system and community spirit foster an environment where families can thrive and build lasting relationships.
Business owners in Tawa, like Kash from Skye Candle, Judith Gray from Nada Bakery, and many others highlight the suburb’s unique advantages. They emphasize the ease of setting up businesses, the supportive local community, and the strategic benefits of Tawa’s location. The presence of active initiatives and positive advocacy from us here at the Tawa Business Group further strengthens the local business environment.
Tawa’s commitment to quality and innovation, as seen in its businesses and community projects, ensures that it remains relevant and competitive in the market. The combination of urban convenience and suburban tranquility offers a high quality of life that attracts both residents and visitors. Tawa is indeed a rising star in Wellington’s landscape.
At Tawa Business Group, we embrace the wisdom of the renowned Māori saying, "He aha te mea nui? Māku e kii atu, he tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata." What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people. This belief underscores our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community where everyone can thrive. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant future for Tawa, grounded in the strength and spirit of its people.
It is great to see the projected growth of Tawa!