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March 2019
Welcome to the first edition of Growing our Region for 2019.
It's a New Year and we have hit the ground running. The recent ASB Regional Economic Scoreboard has ranked our economic performance as third in the country with a rating of "steaming". Our housing market is still booming with the highest nationwide house growth over the year (12%) for the second successive quarter. Building consents have grown 45%, indicating our construction industry is doing well and we have a healthy agricultural outlook.
Speaking of our agricultural outlook, as a region, we will be celebrating all things agriculture as we host a number of nationally significant events throughout the month of March.
First up is the New Zealand Rural Games, which runs from March 9-10, in and around Palmerston North. There is a huge schedule of events for all ages so don't miss out.
Next we have the New Zealand AgriFood Week from 11-17 March. The region will host a range of events with the AgTech Hackathon and AgResearch: Future Feeders both of particular interest.
The month's events culminate in New Zealand's largest regional field days, the Central Districts Field Days, to be held at Manfeild in Feilding from March 14-16.
All of these events are fantastic opportunities to showcase our region, and our innovative and vibrant agricultural industry. Ideas are made and built upon, connections established and celebrations held. What's more, to host three nationally recognised events one after the other is no mean feat!
On another note, I would also like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the Rural Innovation Lab. The Lab launched in Palmerston North recently, on the same day Central Government announced they are to receive $400,000 in Provincial Growth Funding. The Lab is an exciting prospect and I look forward to seeing their work come to fruition.
In the meantime, enjoy all our region has to offer and make sure you get out there and support our local events.
Michael McCartney, Lead Team Facilitator, Accelerate25
FUNDING FOR RURAL INNOVATION LAB WELCOMED
Manawatū-Whanganui’s Accelerate25 Lead Team have welcomed an announcement by Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau, of $400,000 in funding from Central Government’s Provincial Growth Fund, towards the establishment of a Rural Innovation Lab.
TECH TALENT CONNECTING TO PRIMARY INDUSTRIES
The AgTech Hackathon is back in 2019 with a new set of challenges and experiences for participants.
Held during New Zealand AgriFood Week from 15-16 March, with the support of Accelerate25, Hackathon connects tech talent to primary industries in New Zealand.
INDUSTRY LEADERS EXPLORE FOOD PRODUCTION FUTURE
The AgResearch Future Feeders day is new to the New Zealand AgriFood Week and it’s going to be a good-un. Industry leaders will be exploring the future of food production, and it is a must attend for anyone focused on the continual improvement and development of food, across the value chain.
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.
Manawatū-Whanganui third on ASB Regional Economic Scoreboard
Property value rises in Rangitīkei, Whanganui leading market growth in New Zealand
Mount Ruapehu's state of the art gondola taking shape
Massive increase in visitors to Mt Ruapehu leads to new shuttle service
Our People: Large canvas for big picture man
Move over kimchi, kombucha and kale
Former townie helps revive family farm's fortunes with NZ-made blankets
Owners of NZ's first spirulina farm envision a prosperous future for the gooey green gloop
NZ AgriFood week puts spotlight on Manawatū
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