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March 2020
Welcome to the latest edition of Growing our Region.
We are well and truly into 2020, with plenty of activities on the go.
In November last year, an announcement was made that Accelerate25 would receive provincial growth funding for a review and refresh of the Manawatū- Whanganui Economic Action Plan. That review is now in full swing with our consultants completing their first round of interviews, and an electronic survey and economic scan of the region complete. We will have a further update available in April.
Last month we were pleased to hear the Ōtaki to North of Levin corridor and the Capital Connection commuter train are all to receive central government funding. Regional mayors and chairs have worked hard, and continue to do so to advocate for government involvement in regional transport infrastructure.
That said, we will continue to advocate for further investment in our region, particularly around projects such as the Palmerston North Integrated Transport Improvements and a long-term solution for State Highway 4's Parapara Road.
Meanwhile, March is a busy month in our region, thanks to events such as the New Zealand Rural Games, Central Districts Field Days, AgTech Hackathon and New Zealand AgriFood Week. In this newsletter we have profiled some of these events, highlighting the discussions to be had and challenges to overcome. It is an action packed month and I encourage you to book your tickets and be a part of the conversation.
As always, if you have a story you would like to share, please do not hesitate to contact us on info@accelerate25.co.nz.
Michael McCartney, Lead Team Facilitator, Accelerate25
NZ AGRIFOOD WEEK 2020
New Zealand AgriFood Week 2020 is almost upon us. Brought to you by CEDA, this year focuses on New Zealand’s agrifood reputation in our communities, with discussion on what our local consumers feel and think of the sector.
HACKATHON IS BACK!
Accelerate25 will again be sponsoring the AgTech Hackathon - connecting tech talent to primary industry opportunities. During New Zealand AgriFood Week, teams work with primary sector representatives and mentors to solve set challenges over 28 hours. It's action packed and inspiring!
LOOKING AT LAND DIVERSIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
This year NZ AgriFood Week is spreading its wings to districts outside of the Manawatū. One of the events of interest is Tararua District Council’s Land Diversification Forum on Monday 16 March, in Pahiatua.
STRENGTHENING SUCCESSION SUCCESS IN FARMING
Identified as a challenge to the land use optimisation opportunity in the Manawatū-Whanganui Economic Action Plan, succession planning is key to our regional economy. Whanganui & Partners will be hosting workshops on succession planning over the next few months.
CONFERENCE TO SUPPORT WHĀNAU AND WHENUA
A one-day conference designed to empower whānau and hapū from along the entire length of the Whanganui River and the wider rohe is being held in June this year.
In response to a need identified by Maori Agribusiness Collective, the “Whānau Leadership Conference” aims to recognise and support the deep connection and relationship between whānau and the natural world.
What's been happening in and around our Region?
Over the past couple of months there has been plenty of exciting news and events around our region. Many of which we should be shouting from the rooftops! To keep up to date with what's going on, join us on Twitter @Accelerate_25 or check out the following news stories.
PGF supports Vinegar Hill water storage
New cell tower in rural Manawatū to improve services to rural customers
Manawatū-Whanganui transport infrastructure included in national investment
Central North Island town breathes again after road closure
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