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July 2020
Welcome to the latest edition of Growing our Region.
Welcome to the July edition of Growing our Region. It has been four months since our last newsletter and in that time the world has changed immeasurably. We have moved into a new normality, conscious that the true economic, social and health impacts of COVID-19 are yet to be realised. From an Accelerate25 point of view, our resources have been redirected into a recovery phase.
As requested by our regional Mayors and Chair, a Regional Economic Recovery Taskforce has been established to drive a strategic vision and plan for economic recovery across our region. The Taskforce seeks to build on the work already achieved under Accelerate25, Te Pae Tawhiti, the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group, and the region’s economic development agencies – CEDA, Whanganui & Partners, and Visit Ruapehu. It will facilitate regional collaboration and provide a cohesive, well-reasoned and powerful voice to central government.
Over the past few weeks, our region has received over $200 million in central government funding towards shovel ready projects. This includes infrastructure such as roading, community assets such as Te Puwaha - Whanganui Port Revitalisation and Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui, along with our natural environment including Foxton Futures, riparian planting and fencing and a wetland for Lake Horowhenua.
Our economy was in a strong position prior to COVID-19 and by working together we will get back to that place. Opportunities do arise from crises so if we move quickly and effectively our region will not only survive and revive, but also thrive.
Michael McCartney, Lead Team Facilitator, Accelerate25
REGIONAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY TASKFORCE
The Regional Economic Recovery Taskforce is working with numerous community groups, business and agencies to aid recovery in the Manawatū-Whanganui region.
PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES
The global spread of COVID-19 will have a long lasting impact, which will continue to develop over the coming months and years. As they arise, it will be important to capture opportunities that will stimulate our region’s social, economic, built and natural environment, and cultural wellbeing, and strengthen our rural areas.
ECONOMIC IMPACT INDICATORS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
Last month saw the launch of the Manawatū-Whanganui Regional Indicators website. This website will house information on work the Economic Recovery Taskforce is carrying out, including funding announcements, economic indicators and a dashboard of key statistics. These indicators and statistics will help us to ascertain the economic impact of COVID-19 on our region over a period of time.
INJECTION IN FUNDING FOR TE PUWAHA - WHANGANUI PORT REVITALISATION
Earlier this month, central government announced a $45 million injection into the Manawatū-Whanganui Region with funding towards Foxton environment and visitor amenities, Te Puwaha – Whanganui Port revitalisation, the development of a new wing for the Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Whanganui, and talent and skills initiatives to support the region’s labour market.
PREFERRED SITE FOR REGIONAL FREIGHT HUB ANNOUNCED
The Regional Freight Hub is identified as one of our region’s key transport initiatives to assist with Manawatū-Whanganui’s medium-term recovery from COVID-19. In 2018, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced a $40 million PGF investment to be used by KiwiRail to complete site master planning, concept designs and to secure land.
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.
Covid 19 coronavirus: Economic impact in Whanganui softer than national averages
Whanganui hospitality sector making gains following lockdown
Horizons Regional Council receives over $18.4 million towards jobs for Nature
Preferred site of Regional Freight Hub announced
Regional leaders welcome Provincial Growth Fund announcements
Manawatū-Whanganui Regional Skills Leadership Group formed
Manawatū-Whanganui Councils collaborating on recovery
Ground investigations mark start of work on Levin expressway
Manawatū Gorge replacement project will bring houses and jobs
Whanganui consumers back in force
SH4 Whanganui to Raetihi repairs
Taskforce created to support the Manawatū-Whanganui Region's social economic recovery
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