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December 2017
Welcome to the final edition of Growing our Region for 2017.
The past couple of months have been incredibly busy, in particular around the recent submission process to find an alternative to the Manawatu Gorge.
Regional leaders are backing option four as it will directly connect with the planned regional freight ring road and will show a closer connection to Palmerston North and key freight hubs. We are pleased to see the decision on a final option has been deferred by NZTA, so benefits including the immediate economic impact can be considered. We look forward to a decision on the solution early in the New Year.
In other news, members of the Accelerate25 Lead Team met with new minister for Regional Economic Development, Shane Jones, during a recent visit to Whanganui. While in town, the minister took the time to visit Whanganui's new Innovation Quarter, Q-West Boat Builders, the Whanganui Port and a nearby forestry. The meeting was very productive and the Lead Team will continue to work with government to advance a number of significant business cases.
Meanwhile plenty of work is going on in the primary sector. The Ministry for Primary Industries and Horizons are together funding a piece of work around a stock water scheme in Waituna West. The primary sector reference group is also working on opportunities around forestry, due to central governments commitment in that area.
We also have some good news in the tourism sector with Ruapehu District Council and Visit Ruapehu signing a funding agreement with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment for work around Ruapehu's tourism.
It has been a busy year and the holiday period will be a chance for us all to catch our breath. On behalf of the Lead Team, we wish you a safe and happy summer and a very Merry Christmas.
Michael McCartney, Lead Team Facilitator, Accelerate25
Images from Minister Shane Jones' visit to Whanganui including tours of the Whanganui Innovation Quarter (above) and Whanganui Port (below). and Rangitoto Farm near Bulls.
Shane Jones visits Q-West Boat Builders (above) and Rangitoto Farm near Bulls (below)
CONNECT TARARUA - A COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY DRIVEN PROJECT
Tararua district is working towards better telecommunications infrastructure solutions and the project is being driven solely by the local community.
Above: Connect Tararua group chairman Tim Poulton
IWI EMPLOYMENT FACILITATION PROGRAMME MAKING GREAT PROGRESS
Over the past six months, Te Kotuku Hauora, the iwi health and social service for Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa has been delivering Tu Ora, an employment facilitation programme for iwi members.
Above: Alan Turia and Chonotae McLean-Woon outside Te Kotuku Hauora
HOROWHENUA LEADING THE WAY WITH PROJECT LIFT
The face of the Horowhenua district is changing. Like most districts throughout New Zealand, their community is becoming older and more diverse. It is also increasing in population, with many choosing regional living, within easy travelling distance of Wellington and Palmerston North.
This changing demographic has been seen as a catalyst for change by the Horowhenua District Council (HDC).
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.
Raetihi Lodge bustling as region's summer tourism takes off
Work Ready Passport trialled for Whanganui students
NZTA deferral of decision on Manawatu Gorge replacement welcomed
CEDA launches programme to help solve talent shortage in Logistics and Distribution sector
Community champions show enthusiasm for Connect Tararua
Innovation Quarter brings business minds together
Horowhenua growth leaves houses at a premium
Horowhenua Taste Trail returns after popular first year
Manawatū-Whanganui leaders send joint Manawatū gorge solution submission
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