No Images? Click here
August 2018
Welcome to the latest edition of Growing our Region.
The last couple of months have been incredibly busy with some key milestones achieved. In June, Forestry and Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced almost $1 million toward planting in the Horizons Region and a $10 million loan to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts for the construction of a high-speed gondola on the Whakapapa ski field from government’s Provincial Growth Fund (PGF).
Thanks to the funding provided, approximately 1.35 million trees will be planted, made up over 800,000 Mānuka plants, with the rest being predominantly radiata pine and alternative species. This opportunity will create more jobs in our region, protect farm land from erosion and improve water quality by reducing sediment in rivers.
The high-speed gondola on Whakapapa ski field is expected to be completed by next ski season. It is expected to attract an additional half a million visitors to the Ruapehu district by 2025 which is incredibly exciting. We will not only see a boost in regional tourism and employment, but also the gondola’s construction opens the door for the development of other iconic visitor experiences in the future. Drawing more visitors to Mt Ruapehu means more visitors to our entire region, in particular the Whanganui River.
The month of June also saw the inaugural Job Fest careers expo, led by Talent Central. Job Fest was an opportunity for employers in the logistics, distribution and transport industry to meet with potential employees and to show them first-hand the career paths available. The event was well received and timely as major projects such as the new Manawatū Gorge route come to fruition.
More recently, Horizons Regional Council staff presented to Massey Agriculture students on the findings of the Regional Growth Study and the Manawatū-Whanganui Economic Action Plan. This year Accelerate25 is acting as a key client for students’ final year projects. It is a fantastic opportunity to build relationships with young talent in our region, inform them of our work and encourage them to take up the mantle and get involved.
Last but not least, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones has recently launched a guide to the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF). The guide provides clarity on the Government's priorities for the fund and how applications should be made. It's a must read if your business or organisation is interested in putting forward an application.
Enjoy our stories for this month, they range from a beekeeper who is converting steep hill country into a Mānuka plantation, an innovative berry farm focused on quality and sustainability and an update on our region’s farmers leading the way in creating Action Network Groups to drive profitability across their sector.
I hope you enjoy this issue. Don't forget to share these stories far and wide. The more people who know about the great things happening in our region, the better.
Michael McCartney, Lead Team Facilitator, Accelerate25
Above: Accelerate25 Lead Team members and officers with Minister Shane Jones
MĀNUKA FORESTRY GREAT FOR ENVIRONMENT AND THE BOTTOM LINE
New Zealand’s Mānuka honey industry is undergoing rampant growth with exports doubling in the last ten years. Last year alone, the number of registered beekeeping enterprises across the country rose by over 1,000 to 7,814 and the number of registered bee hives rose to over 795,000. While those hives will not be all Mānuka Honey, the overall increase is huge.
RMPP ACTION NETWORKS GOING STRONG IN REGION
In June the Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP) presented an update on their RMPP Action Network, a programme the Manawatū-Whanganui region has actively been involved in for the past year.
SWEET DELIGHTS AT WINDERMERE
Seven years ago Tony and Michelle Boswell took over ownership of Windermere Berry Farm, and in that time they have completely turned the business around
WESTPAC MANAWATU BUSINESS AWARDS
Have you got your nominations in?
The Westpac Manawatū Business Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the best in business in Palmerston North and the Manawatū district, across seven categories including Food and Agriculture, Construction and Manufacturing, Education, Research and Technology, and Distribution and Logistics.
The awards connect businesses with a network of leaders and professionals, and past finalists say the feedback and suggestions they receive from the experienced judging panel is one of the most valuable elements of being involved. The Gala Awards Night is also a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge staff contribution.
Nominations only take a minute and anyone can enter: an owner, employee, client or service provider. Visit the Westpac Manawatū Business Awards for more information on categories and key dates, nominations close August 12. The Central Economic Development Agency delivers the awards via a supportive team of sponsors.
What's been happening in and around our Region?
Over the past two 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.
Whanganui & Partners presents Biz Buzz month
First look at Manawatū Gorge replacement route
New Zealand's fastest selling suburbs revealed
Promoting Ag industry opportunities at Sort It careers expo
Woodville gets preview of new Manawatū Gorge route
Palmerston North Airport's rapid growth in travellers
The world is changing and Manawatū-Whanganui farmers are ready
Whanganui's diverse economy in its favour
Loads more lolly jobs for Levin with likely introduction of Nestle ranges
Mayors team up to lobby transport agency about Ōtaki-to-Levin highway
Job expo aims to get students into under resourced transport industry
$11 million announcement for economic development in the Manawatū-Whanganui region welcomed
Palmerston North brothers show out of this world potential in tech sector
 |  |
