April 2022

Welcome back to Growing our Region.  

Just when we thought life had returned to some semblance of normality, Omicron reached New Zealand’s shores and we have had to put our preparations from the last year into practice.

We are now beginning to shift our thoughts to post-pandemic recovery. Our region’s economy remains resilient, while acknowledging that our communities are feeling the pressure of rising living costs, as well as staff and supply shortages due to the continued spread of Covid-19 through the country.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) notes that with reported labour shortages across all industries they expect to hear of more businesses increasing their competitiveness in the market, and people taking opportunities to improve their employment circumstances.

With borders reopening, some commentators are expecting an increase in the flow of people heading offshore – heralding the ‘great resignation’ as people take up opportunities overseas after having plans on hold for the last two years.

While these reports may signal concern, there is also an opportunity for employers to invest in the training and development of their workforce to increase the skills and productivity of their employees, businesses, and the region.

In this update we share the latest insight report from the Manawatū-Whanganui Regional Skills Leadership Group (RSLG), one of 15 groups established by the Government in 2020 to identify and support better ways to meet future skills and workforce needs in our region. We also talk to Horowhenua Company CEO Catriona McKay about the unique evolution of the district’s economic development agency, and introduce Plentyful, a Rangitikeī-based company creating sustainable plastic products.

Despite so much change and uncertainty in recent times, it is heartening to see innovation, growth, and community wellbeing has remained at core. This has helped our region remain resilient, which puts us in a good place for our future. 

Michael McCartney Lead Team Facilitator, Accelerate25

Regional Skills Leadership Group update

The Manawatū-Whanganui Regional Skills Leadership Group was established by the Government to identify and support better ways to meet future skills and workforce needs in our region.

One of 15 groups across New Zealand, the RSLG provides valuable insights and independent advice which employers and government agencies can act on.

As well as providing regular insights reports, the RSLG is working on publishing the first iteration of the Regional Workforce Plan (RWP) in June 2022.  The health sector and school transitions will be the key focuses of this initial RWP, as identified in the group’s interim plan published in 2021.

Having engaged with a number of stakeholders across the health and school transitions spaces, the RSLG is completing a synthesis of this work to create actions and recommendations that will be included in the RWP. These actions and recommendations will be further developed in consultation with regional partners. Case studies are also being developed that will highlight work already underway for health and school transitions in the region.

The middle is the place to be

With a raft of construction and development occurring north and south of its borders, Horowhenua can’t be accused of falling behind thanks to a unique partnership between local business leaders and Horowhenua District Council.

The recent completion of the Horowhenua Business Park in Levin, is the first major project for The Horowhenua New Zealand Trust and its subsidiary The Horowhenua Company – the economic development agency for the district.

Horowhenua Company CEO Catriona McKay says the Trust was formed in part because it’s challenging for a council to do economic development in a really active way.

“Instead, they engaged local business to turn up the dials.”

We spoke with Catriona McKay, CEO of The Horowhenua Company about recent projects and what's next for the district.

Local innovator spotlight: Plentyful

An unassuming site on the outskirts of Marton in the Rangitikeī District is the initial home of Plentyful, a company with a mission to address plastic waste and climate change by producing biodegradable alternatives to oil-based plastics.

The process used by Plentyful takes natural organic waste materials, such as food and forestry bi-products, to create PHVBs, a class of biodegradable biopolymers that have the positive characteristics of traditional plastics, without the negatives. This makes them a highly-adaptable, non-toxic, and compostable replacement for oil-based plastics.

Managing Director Jayden Klinac says Plentyful plans to expand its operations in the Rangitikeī District. In partnership with GreenChem, it is leasing land near Hunterville for planting with fast-growing hardwood trees that can be used as feed for the PHBV production process, alongside other organic food-waste streams.

“We have the ability to create bespoke solutions for clients, including products used in packaging and manufacturing, that can be fully recycled back into virgin PHBV an infinite amount of times or composted after use.

“One example is a vine clip for the wine industry that holds vines in place and, when no longer in use, can return to the soil.

“Given the nature of PHBV and that a natural form of it exists in animals, plants and humans already, it can also naturally degrade in the environment (including the ocean) without leaving behind any microplastics,” says Mr Klinac.

What's been happening in and around our Region?

Over the past few months there has been plenty of exciting news and events around our region. To keep up to date with what's going on, join us on Twitter @Accelerate_25 or check out the following news stories.

Street art bringing Feilding to life as mural extravaganza gets go ahead (29 March)

Safety upgrades to the long and winding road in rural Tararua  (20 March) 

Climate change tips balance for New Zealand's only smart city (17 March) 

Major milestone for KiwiRail's regional freight hub (7 Mar) 

Work to repair Whanganui's North Mole is in full swing (21 Feb) 

Economic Development Agency launches new app to pair employers with talent (9 Feb)

New shared use for trails for Tongariro National Park (19 Jan) 

Multi-regional collaboration coastal art trail officially launches (10 Jan)