November 2019

Welcome to the latest edition of Growing our Region.  

As we near the end of the year, progress continues across our region. 

Two of the organisations driving, promoting and facilitating that progress are the Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) and Whanganui & Partners. In this edition we have profiled both of those council controlled organisations, looking at the challenges they face, activities they are undertaking and vision they have for our communities. 

We will be profiling other economic development personnel from across our region in future editions. In the mean time it is important to note, if you are looking to start a business or want to see it grow, and you are not sure who to talk to for advice, contact your local council today and they will put you in touch with the right people. 

I also want to mention some major announcements which have been made in recent times. Last month Prime Minister Jacinda Adern announced FoodHQ's strategic partnership with Netherland's Foodvalley. This is especially significant as the two organisations will work together to support their respective food industries in furthering their ambitions in sustainable food production. 

Meanwhile, last week CEDA launched the Manawatū Agritech Strategy to grow the sector for the benefit of New Zealand's food industry.  The strategy is underpinned by strong partnerships and already incorporates a number of initiatives underway including the Rural Innovation Lab, FoodHQ's PGF application and New Zealand AgriFood Week. 

Last but not least, it is important to celebrate the wins, and the recent announcement that NZTA will move ahead with the designation of the Ōtaki to north of Levin corridor is one of those. Accelerate25 is a vehicle to pull organisations and local authorities together to achieve a common goal. Through Accelerate25, and under the Accessing Central New Zealand (ACNZ) framework, regional mayors and chairs were coordinated in their messaging to central government that this project is a critical piece of Lower North Island infrastructure. 

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

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.

Taihape Quinoa growers prove they can foot it with the best

Kaitahi Super Green smoothie is here!

Major agritech strategy launched for Manawatū

Whanganui merchants happy as consumer spending increases in past year

Whanganui and Partners' farming expo has an eye to future of industry

Pahia Turia appointed as new Whanganui & Partners board chair

International partnership to support the success of the New Zealand food industry 

Recruitment of beneficiaries to help with Manawatū's $4 billion construction boom

Logging on: Six forestry wagons a day added to Whanganui's KiwiRail service

Lower North Island Passenger Rail business case progresses

Ōtaki to north of Levin expressway announcement welcomed by regional mayors and chairs

Visit Ruapehu reigns supreme at Regional Tourism New Zealand Awards

Census 2018: How much Whanganui's population has soared 

Manawatū Gorge to get $620 million for replacement motorway

Sargeant Gallery to get $12 million from Provincial Growth Fund 

Rural Innovation Lab announces four projects