Our story
Since 2017, The Business Hive has been part of Ōamaru’s business infrastructure - providing a stable base for local businesses, solo operators and organisations. Find out what we do and why here.
Our reason for being
The Business Hive exists to provide practical, professional infrastructure for people doing business in and around Oamaru.
Our role is simple and deliberate: to offer well-designed workspaces and meeting rooms, and to provide the conditions that make it easier for people to work well, connect when it’s useful, and develop their own momentum.
That includes the obvious things – reliable desks, meeting spaces, technology and amenities – and it also includes the less visible work. We pay attention to flow, rhythm and fit so the space feels calm, capable and welcoming, without pressure to perform or participate.
We don’t try to manage outcomes or direct how people use the Hive. Instead, we focus on providing a steady environment that people can opt into when it suits their work.
Our workspaces
Located in the heart of Oamaru’s CBD, The Business Hive offers a range of affordable, flexible spaces inspired by local industries and ways of working.
These include:
The Bank, a large communal coworking space including informal meeting zones and The Vault for quick private calls
The Farm and The Works, two boardroom-style meeting, workshop or training rooms
The Bureau and The Foundry for smaller meetings, training, interviews or as a short term private office
The Locker Room as a treatment, counselling, meeting or interview space
Individual room or multiple-room hire options for small conferences or events
Privately leased offices
Making things easy
We’ve taken care of the details so you don’t have to.
Our spaces are air-conditioned and individually ventilated, with high-speed WiFi, free tea and coffee and intentional design. The tech is plug-and-play, and online booking makes it easy to reserve a space or manage your membership without fuss.
The aim is a place that works quietly and reliably in the background, so you can focus on what you’re here to do.
Developed over time
Founded in 2017, The Business Hive is a privately operated business led by Cara Tipping Smith and Alex Regtien, and their team. Over more than eight years, our offerings have evolved through real-world use and changing economic conditions.
That evolution has sharpened our focus.
People bring their own goals, ideas and ambitions. We provide the space, systems and consistency that help those efforts take shape. Whether you’re looking for a regular base or somewhere to drop in when needed, the Hive can be a practical business home away from home.
You’re welcome to explore the spaces, take a tour, or sign up to hear about what’s happening.
Take a virtual tour
Check out the video below to get a feel for The Business Hive in action.
Credits
Photography – Rachel Wybrow Commercial
Video – Aynsley Martin Videography / Photography
New to coworking?
Coworking is really just a group of independent professionals sharing space and resources. It’s smart, cost-efficient and also can be sociable. Our job at The Business Hive is to enable you to work your way. Find out what that looks like, here.
What to expect at The Business Hive
For first-timers, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to expect from coworking.
At its simplest, it’s a professional way to work independently, with access to good space, reliable infrastructure and other people who understand the rhythm of getting work done.
That’s the approach we take at The Business Hive.
If you’re new to coworking, here’s what that looks like in practice.
A professional workspace you can use your way
The Hive is designed for people who take their work seriously, whether they’re running a business, working remotely, freelancing or juggling a mix of roles.
You’ll find:
Desks where you can plug in and get started
Quieter areas for more focused work
Informal open spaces where conversation is fine
Bookable meeting rooms when you need privacy
Fully equipped meeting, training and workshop spaces
You choose the environment that suits what you’re doing that day.
Calm, not open-plan chaos
Coworking is often assumed to mean noise, interruptions or constant interaction. That’s not how this space operates.
People work quietly and respectfully.
Different zones exist for different kinds of work.
Focus is normal here.
Conversation happens when it’s appropriate, not by default.
Friendly, but not intrusive
The Hive is a shared space, not a social obligation.
Regulars are welcoming and polite, but no one expects introductions, explanations or participation. Many people come here precisely because they want to work independently, without being isolated.
You can:
Keep to yourself
Work with headphones on
Come and go without ceremony
Let connection happen naturally, or not at all
You choose when and how you interact on any given day.
Help when you need it
If it’s your first visit, staff will show you around, help you get set up and answer any practical questions.
After that, the space is yours to use - teas and coffee included.
There’s no script to follow and no pressure to engage beyond what’s useful to you.
Coworking without commitment
You don’t need to change how you work to try coworking.
Some people use the Hive occasionally.
Some come a few days a week.
Others make it their primary work base.
You can start small and adjust as you go. Flexibility is built in.
Why people choose coworking
People usually come to coworking because it’s a low cost, inclusive way of working that offers the best of independent work: freedom to work as yourself, with company available when you want it.
Often, they’re looking for:
A professional environment outside the home
Better focus and structure
Light, everyday human contact without obligation
A place that respects autonomy as much as connection
That’s what we aim to provide.
A local business enabler
Think of The Business Hive as your local business enabler: a place that supports how you work, without telling you how to be.
If you’re new to coworking, you don’t need confidence or experience to walk through the door. You just need a professional workspace that meets you where you are.
When you need that, we’re here for you.
New to booking rooms with us?
Booking space at The Business Hive is easy to do with our 24/7 online booking system but what’s it actually like? Who shows you around? Can you turn up early? Can someone help me with tech? Find out how we work and what to expect, here.
What to expect at The Business Hive
If you haven’t booked a space with us before, the process is straightforward and designed to give you clarity before you arrive.
Here’s how it works.
How to book
The easiest way to book a space is via our website.
You’ll be able to:
See room capacity and amenities
Check real-time availability
Book instantly for the time you need
For members, space hire is added to your monthly invoice.
For casual users, an invoice is issued at the time of booking and can be paid by bank transfer or card.
If you prefer, you can also:
Email us with what you need and a contact phone number, or
Call us to talk it through
Getting here and getting set up
Parking is available behind our building, on nearby on-street metered parking, or in a nearby council car park.
All rooms are clearly identified by name once you’re inside. If you’ve provided setup instructions, your room will be arranged accordingly and is available from 15 minutes before your booking time.
If you’re unsure where to go when you arrive, our team is on hand to help.
During your booking
Our spaces are scheduled carefully so each booking has the time and attention it needs.
If your session looks like it may run over, let us know before your scheduled finish and we’ll extend your booking where we can - our aim is to avoid rushing you while ensuring any following bookings get our signature high standard of care.
Cancellation policies are clearly outlined at the time of booking, so you know exactly where you stand.
Food, catering and timing considerations
Food and catering can be accommodated with prior notice and agreement.
Because catering involves additional setup, clean-up and spacing between bookings, a minimum 3-hour booking time applies when food is involved. This allows us to prepare the space properly and maintain the standard of experience we aim to provide for everyone using the building.
We’re happy to recommend catering from local providers, and additional spaces can be hired if you need a separate area for catering or social time.
Early access and after-hours use
Early access or after-hours use can sometimes be arranged, depending on availability and the nature of your booking. If this might be useful, call us to make a booking so we can talk through what’s possible.
Technology, guests and accessibility
Room amenities are listed online, and we’re available to help with setup on the day if needed. Our aim is for meetings and sessions to start smoothly, without unnecessary fuss.
Guests are welcome to arrive independently. If there’s anything unusual about timing or access, just let us know in advance.
Our ground-floor spaces are fully accessible, including ramp access, an accessible car park and accessible toilet facilities. First-floor spaces are accessed by stairs only. If you or your guests have accessibility requirements, we’re happy to help you choose the most suitable space.
Privacy and professional use
Our spaces are used every day by local businesses, organisations and professionals for confidential and professional discussions.
They’re set up to be reliable, comfortable and easy to use, without unnecessary complexity.
If you haven’t hired a space with us before, you don’t need to prepare anything beyond knowing what you need the room for. We’ll take care of the rest.
A local business enabler
Think of The Business Hive as your local business enabler - a place that supports how you work, without telling you how to be.
When you need a well-run, professional space, we’re here for you.