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December 2019
Welcome to the latest edition of Growing our Region.
Christmas has come early in the Manawatū-Whanganui region, as a raft of Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) announcements were made and celebrated towards the end of last month.
In total, projects and organisations in our region received $772,000 in funding. With funds allocated to:
- $380,000 for NZ Bio-Forestry Ltd for research into bio-plastics based on pine trees
- $200,000 for Horizons Regional Council to refresh the Accelerate25 Economic Action Plan.
- $120,000 for Rangitīkei District Council's Tutaenui Community Agricultural Water Scheme.
- $32,000 to Tararua District Council for capability funding support
- $40,000 to Whanganui & Partners for application funding support
In addition, the Herb Farm in Ashhurst have received a $261,000 loan for their brand new manufacturing facility. Also the Forgotten World Highway, which runs between Stratford and Taumarunui, will be sealed thanks to an allocation of $9.6 million in funding from the PGF. It is an essential freight and tourism route to the northern parts of our region.
Our region has grown from strength to strength since the launch of the initial Economic Action Plan in 2016. We have seen increased growth and our regional iwi, business and local government leaders are collaborating over key priorities. We are successfully putting these forward to central government to achieve support and funding.
The A25 Lead Team are thrilled to receive funding to refresh this plan. Since the initial priorities were set, new opportunities have arisen so it is timely to take a look at it and focus on where future efforts could best be spent.
In the meantime have a safe and happy holiday season, I look forward to providing you with updates in the New Year. 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
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ROLE AIDS TRANSFORMATION IN RUAPEHU DISTRICT
The Ruapehu district is going through something of a transformation at the moment, with unprecedented growth. Visitor numbers are booming, new businesses are popping up and house prices are rising.
TARARUA EXPERIENCING UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH
Having just celebrated thirty years as a district in November, Tararua is experiencing unprecedented growth for the first time. This strong growth is expected to continue as the development of Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway, replacing the Manawatū Gorge, progresses.
REGIONAL FREIGHT HUB MASTER PLAN ANNOUNCED
Last month, KiwiRail announced its design concept, known as the Master Plan, for the regional freight hub to be based near Palmerston North.
The timing was apt, as the announcement came almost a year to the day, after central government’s $40 million Provincial Growth Fund to undertake the hub design, was made in November 2018.
WHANGANUI & PARTNERS PUBLIC FORUM
Following on from last month's newsletter, we wanted to update you on Whanganui & Partners. Last week they hosted a public forum to update the community on Whanganui's economy, successes this year and priorities/outlook looking forwards. These slides were shared to help do that. Their new Chair (and Accelerate25 Lead Team member), Pahia Turia, also introduced himself, alongside members of their board.
Around 100 people were in attendance on the night and loads of great feedback has been put forward to the W & P team.
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.
Regional council asks government to help fund $415 million investment to save rail network
New Zealand Military Tattoo promote special Christmas offer
Mat Hocken wins Rabobank's Emerging Leader Award
Future of Forgotten World Highway sealed with $9.6m PGF investment
Palmerston North poised as centre of rail and road links
Potential bioplastics plant for Marton gets Government research funding
Manawatū-Whanganui economy set for $772,000 boost from Provincial Growth Fund
Provincial Growth Fund announcements welcomed by Regional Leaders
Manawatu Agritech Strategy recognised by EDNZ Award
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