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July 2021
Welcome back to Growing our Region.
It has been nearly a year since our last newsletter, as Accelerate25’s resources were reallocated to the COVID-19 economic response in our region, therefore putting Growing our Region in a period of hiatus. That time has also allowed us to review and refresh Accelerate25 to ensure the programme’s focus and goals are aligned with the Manawatū-Whanganui region’s economic priorities. As they say, out of crisis comes clarity and the past twelve months have certainly allowed that.
The review and refresh process for Accelerate25 actually began in early 2020, prior to COVID-19 hitting our shores. Stakeholder interviews with members of Māori, business and broader communities were completed, along with a survey of 176 members of the business community. We were then able to incorporate the economic recovery work carried out in response to COVID-19 with a renewed economic development plan for the Manawatū-Whanganui region. This plan is known as the A25 refresh and is currently being presented in its final draft stages to councils and key stakeholder groups across our region.
We also welcomed the recent economic recovery announcement made by Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash, while he was in Palmerston North meeting with members of the Accelerate25 Lead Team.
As always if you would like to find out more about Accelerate25 and our refresh, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@accelerate25.co.nz.
Michael McCartney, Lead Team Facilitator, Accelerate25
WHERE WE ARE AT
The Accelerate25 review found that in terms of identity and confidence the Manawatū-Whanganui region has made great strides since the inception of Accelerate25’s Economic Action Plan. At many levels, including leadership, the region feels more integrated and open to working collaboratively.
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
Palmerston North City Council release a bi-annual economic indicators report for the Manawatū-Whanganui Region with the most recent from December 2020. It reveals an improvement in the rate of growth for the region, with pressure on housing and growth in residential construction being a major contributor to job growth. Major projects such as the $450 million Mercury Energy windfarm, the $650 million Te Ahu Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway and new infrastructure at Ohakea are also major contributors. PNCC’s June 2021 report is expected later this year.
ACCELERATE25 REFRESH
The refresh recommendations were adopted by the Accelerate25 Lead Team in early 2021, and are currently being presented to councils within the region. They have also been presented to Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash.
WHERE TO FROM HERE
Our overriding vision is to establish the Central North Island as a growth centre for the New Zealand economy. To achieve this, the Acceleerate25 Lead Team will focus on a work plan for the next 18 months to continue to provide regional coordination and support to strategic opportunities across the region. We will also continue to work closely with central government as it develops its new priorities for regional economic development.
Image: Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash with Accelerate25 Lead Team members at the Wildbase Recovery Centre.
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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.
Te Pūwaha port revitalisation initiative hopes to get locals into jobs
Whanganui port project moves to phase two
First concrete pour for Te Ahu Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway
