It’s been a huge year for leading coworking operator WOTSO, which has just opened its seventh new coworking space in 2025, increasing the business’ operational footprint to 34 sites across Australia and New Zealand, with more in the pipeline.
The latest WOTSO is in New Zealand’s northernmost city of Whangārei, the capital of Northland and a two hour drive from Auckland.
WOTSO’S New Zealand Manager Janine Russell says Northland offers significant potential for coworking and WOTSO is the first major brand to open, offering the full range of services and spaces including coworking, flexible private offices, and meeting rooms.
“There’s definitely a lot of growth happening in Whangārei, a lot more hustle and bustle created by a significant number of people moving from Auckland to get more of that work-life balance,” said Russell.
Also fuelling the local economy is significant New Zealand government investment in regional road, rail and port infrastructure.
“It’s a perfect opportunity for WOTSO to go in and provide infrastructure and services you would typically see in a larger city such as Sydney or Auckland,” she said.
Interest has come from diverse sources. “We’ve had a mix of everything; office and coworking space, of course, and quite a few events. One company moved all their staff here while their office was getting renovated – we’ve had a good start.”
WOTSO, known for its signature murals in each workspace, is also making a splash on the art front in Whangārei.
A huge original artwork painted by young local artist Josie Selkirk, daughter of space leader Sarah Selkirk, hangs above the reception desk.
Another specially commissioned mural created by Wheku Design, titled ‘Trust The Process’, runs 50 metres along the car park boundary wall, building on a strong tradition of street art in the city.
The property, bought by WOTSO in May, was originally a well-known car dealership repurposed by one of New Zealand’s biggest engineering companies into a modern workspace with significant parking.
WOTSO Whangārei features 24 coworking desks, seven private offices, well-equipped meeting rooms, a kitchen stocked with drinks, fruit and snacks, staffed reception, office services and business grade internet.
For more information: whangarei@wotso.com or https://lnkd.in/gtjCZ8mR
