1983 

In 1983 the Porirua Business Development Council (PBDC) was formed by local business people and the City Council in response to an economic downturn, rising unemployment, and a declining manufacturing sector. The board's responsibilities were to rescue businesses in difficulties, assist and promote the establishment of new business, and assist and promote the expansion of existing business. Links were formed the following year with Wellington City Council's (WCC) Employment & Business Committee, and Business Development Council offices from Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Wainuiomata, and Wellington. A consultative committee of 6 people was formed to liaise with Porirua City Council (3 from PCC and 3 from PBDC). PCC continued to support PBDC each year with grants for services and accommodation to provide clients with advice, information and referrals; formed links with Wellington Chambers of Commerce and Wellington Regional Council, and its' objective in 1985 as PBDS was "to engage in activities through investigation, research, assistance or promotion, to encourage or lead to business development in Porirua and the creation of employment". Plans were put into place to look at ways to earn export dollars, promote business, and match ideas with capital, and list businesses and services. Porirua Development Council was later accepted as a name change to Porirua Business Development Society (PBDS) and the offices were moved to Ngans Court in 1990. PBDS made submission on re-routing of Highway 1 and on tariffs on imported goods. PBDS assisted the new Countdown supermarket on staff recruitment and accommodation for local premises. By 1991 had formed the Tourism Group and made submission on tariff reform to government; produced first bi-monthly Business Briefs publication (later upgraded in 1993 to a printed edition with increased circulation). A membership drive was launched in 1992 with paying members and the organisation began information sharing with PCC. PBDS became active members of Central Region Economic Development Board.

1993 PBDS launched and administered the Porirua City Information Centre. Membership had increased to 100 and a Businesslink database of Porirua Businesses was launched and later extended. More seminars where offered to enhance business growth and began organising Business Breakfasts; agencies set up in the Wellington region to support small to medium sized businesses, and campaigned for a stadium.  

1994 saw an increase in referrals to business agencies and more grants. PBDS set up mentoring programme and a Small Business Network; Kiwihost programme were undertaken.

1995 the first business opportunities directory was produced resulting in 70% of firm enquiries, and networking gained popularity. Premises were moved to GEC building and saw change in staff; membership continued to increase and confidence from business sector was very positive.

1996 the first Business Awards were launched and PBDS supported a high number of businesses start up in the region and saw a net gain in employment; formed Visitor Industry Group; organised NZ Tourism Dinner and concentrated on supporting business growth in the central city through the media and Rotary,

1997 PBDS participated in Five Cities Economic Development Group and planning for Wellington Regional Marketing Campaign and becoming a founding member of the Economic Development Association of NZ, and the first business directory was distributed to all members and box holders.

1998 PBDS launched Business lunches at Whitireia Polytechnic and this year also saw 60% of Mitsubishi workers into new jobs; Porirua saw increase of visitors from Nishio; PBDS supported a regional hospital at Kenepuru. Networking grew more popular and held a Porirua Inter-firms Golf Tournament at Duck Creek Golf Club.

1999 PBDS was appointed as provider of BIZ to act as Porirua Biz Information Centre.

2000 enquiries to Biz Info reached 265 which resulted in a large increase of referrals onto training courses.

2001 PBDS was re-branded to trade as Business Porirua. BizInfo enquiries increased along with sponsored courses and referrals from WINZ onto business start ups, as well as referrals to other agencies and Business Porirua began Business Development Training Programme with Industry NZ.

2002 Business Porirua moved to 20 Parumoana Street and developed first mission statement. This year saw the creation of Special Interest Groups for Tourism and Retail, and lobbied PCC for reduction in business rates differentials. PBDS launched Innovation Greenhouse Porirua, business incubator, to assist business start ups for advice, accommodation and office services. Improved signage into the city and assisted businesses with building and resource consents. PBDS established the Entrepreneur's Success Programme. Increased training courses due to demand - contact with business community had grown by 69% with membership growth of 30% by the end of 2002.

2003 PDBS celebrated its 20th anniversary since establishment and further growth in Membership with an increase of 19%. PBDS assisted with establishment of the Porirua Apprenticeship Trust, and eight companies into Fast Forward programme with NZ Trade & Enterprise as well as continuing to deliver the Mature Employment Programme for those over 40. PBDS helped develop the city's Tourism Strategy with Porirua City Council. Established new categories for the Business Awards aligning with the Regional Gold Awards and help celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Sister City relations with Nishio City. PBDS also completed Labour Market Analysis of Porirua City.

2004 Porirua City's growth had risen to highest in the region. Changes to the business community aslo ment changes to the membership with a real focus on developing the retail category. The number of businesses in the region had grown to 2,674 - representing an average of 4.3% growth since 1997. Business Porirua had eight Porirua companies in the manufacturing sector and on Fast Forward programme. $5,708,744 delivered into 25 Porirua companies by Technology NZ - over $4M raised by six of the fast forward companies.

2005 continued to assist retail development under the Canopies adding to high retail growth of 14.6% for the City. By 2005 Porirua City consisted of 2,929 businesses, representing 31% growth - the biggest annual increase. PBDS helped to established The Porirua Employment Hub; while continuing to offer assistance for 40+ into employment with good outcomes. Enterprise Training courses held with positive outcomes and further grants obtained for businesses from NZTE and Technology NZ. Highlights of 2005 saw PBDS advocate successful for a reduction in business rates for Group 13.

2006 Business Porirua joined the NZ Chambers of Commerce to help strength the local business voice at both the regional and national level. PBDS continued to deliver training for business start ups. 2006 also saw an increase in demand for referrals and enterprise grants.

2007 PBDS continued to be an active player with involvement in forums like Digital Strategy Steering Group, The Porirua Employment Hub, and Whitireia Business Advisory Group. PBDS were the key liaison point in joint project work with PWB, Wellington Innovation Network, FRST and NZTE. At the same time PBDS represented businesses in Porirua on issues affecting the business community and continued to work on the city centre revitalisation and the rates review. 

2008 - Current operations as Business Porirua cease and the Porirua Chamber of Commerce emerged as the sole identity. This change brought a clear focus for the operation and also many other benefits including the association of a professional organisation, membership benefits and affiliation to a worldwide professional organisation.