The Five Star - Whanganui Enterprises team based in Whanganui

Every build helps us empower individuals to grow with purpose.

Five Star Whanganui Enterprises building quality macrocarpa Dog Kennels and Dog Runs
Five Star Whanganui Enterprises worker welding steel for their custom made Dog Runs

About Wanganui Enterprises

Established in 1979, Wanganui Enterprises has a proud history of supporting both the Whanganui community and people living with disabilities.

As a registered Charitable Trust, we create employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities who might otherwise face significant barriers to entering the workforce. Within our organisation, they gain life skills, learn practical tasks, engage in rehabilitation support, and receive training - all within a supportive environment that recognises their limitations while encouraging personal growth.

Our core mission is to prepare people for open employment wherever possible, or at the very least, help them take meaningful steps toward that goal.

We work with individuals aged 16 and over whose physical, intellectual, or mental health conditions limit their ability to meet the expectations and health and safety requirements of typical workplaces. Without the right support, many face reduced confidence, low self-esteem and hesitation to try again after setbacks. We aim to change that trajectory.

Our experienced supervisors offer consistent guidance, tailored training and a level of supervision well beyond what is typically available. This commitment is reflected in the quality of our team, our products, and our workplace culture.

For over 40 years, we’ve remained dedicated to producing high-quality products using premium timber and steel. When you order from Wanganui Enterprises, you’re not just receiving something made to the highest standards - you’re also helping us maintain a safe and supportive workplace for those who face challenges in traditional employment settings.

Thank you for being part of what makes our work possible.

Our vision

Partnering with people living with disabilities to overcome barriers by delivering employment, training & support.
Five Star Whanganui Enterprises use premium NZ Macrocarpa for their Dog Kennels

Our values with live by - everyday

Safety
We foster a safe working environment through joint responsibility for keeping each other safe, including physically as well as mental health & well-being in a fun workplace.
Enable
Through training, support, and empowerment we will develop skills, foster growth, and provide a richer quality of life via experiences with Whanganui Enterprises.
Quality
We strive for continuous improvement, to consistently deliver our best to serve the community, our partners, our customers, and our team.
Empathy
We will act with care, respect, and with a culturally sensitive mindset. We will be open and non-judgemental in all our connections both internal and external.
Collaboration
We will work together as one team with open communication, positivity, fairness, and we always put the team at the forefront of our decision making.
Integrity
We will always act ethically, with trust & honestly in all our dealings as ambassadors of the brand in and outside of work, and as custodians of the essence of the WE Deed of Trust intent.
Don't ask the disabled / person in trouble about how did it happen, ask how could I help.
Ankush Pruthi