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August 2019
Welcome to the latest edition of Growing our Region.
There is plenty to celebrate in this month's edition of Growing our Region as a number of Provincial Growth Funding announcements have been made recently, with the potential of more to come in the next few months. It is really exciting to see initiatives such as the Sky Waka Gondola and Tararua's tourism trails being supported at a central government level. These initiatives are great for our region as they support growth, they create jobs and they make us proud.
Recently, ASB also released its quarterly Regional Economic Scorecard which looked at growth in the March 2019 quarter. We can now say Manawatū-Whanganui is the second fastest growing in the country. We also topped the jobs growth statistics for the quarter, cash registers rang hot and the housing market is still going great guns. There is an air of confidence around the region, people are positive and they are looking to spend and invest. Wouldn't it be great if we could make it to the top of the table by the end of the year!
I hope you enjoy catching up on the latest news from our region, we enjoy bringing it to your inbox. 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
WHAKAPAPA SKY WAKA OPENS ON MOUNT RUAPEHU
A grand opening ceremony celebrating the opening of Mount Ruapehu's Whakapapa Sky Waka Gondola last month.
While in attendance, Under Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau announced Provincial Growth Funding grants to support the Ruapehu District Council.
TOURISM PROJECTS RECEIVE PGF FUNDING
In July, two local tourism projects received a financial boost, thanks to the Provincial Growth Fund.
A unique tourist trail between Woodville and Ashhurst to showcase Māori culture is to receive $100,000 to investigate its potential. While a further $100,000 will go to the Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) to evaluate a range of new tourism experiences in Te Āpiti - Manawatū Gorge.
PLANNING FOR SKILLS AND TALENT IN OUR REGION
A key element to economic growth is having a pipeline of people with the right skills and talent to meet the immediate and long-term workforce needs of industries. There has never been a more suitable time to ensure this need is met, especially with new investments made in the Manawatū-Whanganui region, national projects underway and the advent of the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) programme.
ENGAGING WITH YOUTH IN WHANGANUI
100% SWEET is a small organisation making a big difference in Whanganui. It’s a community initiative set up by the Whanganui District Employment Training Trust (WDETT), with one employee - Jason Shailer - who has been on board for the last three years.
FARMING FOR CHANGE EXPO
10am - 3pm, Wednesday 16 October Whanganui War Memorial Centre
Whanganui and Partners bring you a range of speakers who have diversified their land use and made changes to their farm business.
$10 cover charge. Free Parking. Lunch provided.
RSVP required by Thursday 10 October. Please contact Rhonda Morris on 027 587 0072 or email Rhonda.Morris@whanganuiandpartners.nz.
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.
ASB Regional Economic Scoreboard sees Manawatū-Whanganui as second fastest growing region
Historic Whanganui complex bought by iwi/council partnership for aviation training
Pre-registrations for the 2020 Sprout Accelerator are now open
Unemployment figures at lowest point since 2008
Hemp hub for Rangitīkei and Whanganui
Rural Innovation Lab's Top 10 Ideas
Retirement village building boom a $200 million shot to Manawatū economy
Manawatū's Journey to Becoming a Top Global Agrifood Hub
Rural Innovation Lab - Solutions to Farming's Big Challenges
The Government is looking to shake-up New Zealand's $1.5 billion agritech sector
Superfood company 'Kaitahi' top Whanganui Maori business
Manfeild's Michael Barbour talks about the progress made on the National Driver Training Centre
Mt Ruapehu Sky Waka opened to the public
NZ company tackling good sustainability with cricket farming
Palmerston North takes up regional development challenge
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