The Manawatū-Whanganui region enjoys impressive natural assets – three mighty rivers, rich farmland, national parks, ski fields and the volcanic plateau.
The region’s economic strength is based on food production and manufacturing, with only the region’s retail sector employing more workers than agriculture and the rest of the primary sector.
Manawatū-Whanganui is now looking to build on its ideal location to become a distribution and logistics hub, while education and defence will continue to contribute positively to the local economy.
The Manawatū-Whanganui region’s economic development agency has identified priority investment areas in its action plan to encourage more growth and diversification.
Economic action plan — Accelerate25
For full details on projects funded in the region:
Manawatū stories
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Government funding confirmed for Whakapapa ski field purchasers
Cabinet has agreed to provide Whakapapa Holdings 2024 Limited (WHL) with a loan of up to $5 million to support its purchase of the Whakapapa ski field, on the condition that WHL obtain a concession to operate the ski area from the Minister of Conservation
10 December, 2024
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Crown receiver opens EOI process for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts’ Whakapapa assets
Calibre Partners, the Crown-appointed receivers for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL), is seeking expressions of interest in acquiring the business and assets of the Whakapapa ski field.
12 April, 2024
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Crown receiver appointed for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) has been placed into Crown-appointed receivership.
27 October, 2023
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Continued Crown support for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
The Government has agreed to provide further funding for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (RAL) to support the pathway forward for Mt Ruapehu’s skiing operations, jobs and regional economy in the immediate future.
6 October, 2023
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Investment in our regional economies continues
The Government is continuing to invest in our regional economies as part of an ongoing strategy to develop these areas to become more productive, resilient, inclusive and sustainable.
8 August, 2023
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Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Life Pass Holders surveyed on willingness to support new entity
Kānoa - RDU has today asked the Voluntary Administrators of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) to formally survey the approximately 14,500 Life Pass Holders to gauge their willingness to financially support a proposal for a new entity.
18 November, 2022
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Awapuni on track for regional racing boost
A new synthetic track surface at Awapuni Racecourse has set the course for a regional economic boost with a great summer of events now on the cards at the Palmerston North racing centre.
9 November, 2022
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CRHL welcomes newly appointed members
Crown Regional Holdings Limited (CRHL) has increased its Board of Directors from three to seven, welcoming Dame Patsy Reddy, Anne-Marie Broughton, Elizabeth Hopkins and Rosie Mercer.
28 June, 2022
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More funding to grow our regions – and a new identity for the Provincial Development Unit
A new fund has been created to boost the drive to grow regional economies.
27 May, 2021
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Horowhenua businesses connect with local employees
An employment and skills initiative based in Horowhenua celebrated its official launch recently with a group of local employers, educators and community leaders.
3 March, 2021
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Trucking awesome: Manawatū cadet loves his new career
Less than two months into his new job as a truck driver, Ryan Pickering was handed the keys to a brand new, eight tonne concrete truck worth more than $200,000.
2 March, 2021
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River rejuvenation supports Foxton growth
A recently rejuvenated section of the Manawatū River will support Foxton’s regional economic development, while providing environmental and quality of life improvements, says Chief Operating Officer of the Provincial Development Unit (PDU) Ben Dalton.
2 March, 2021
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More than $4.3m to boost rangatahi success
Seven community programmes are receiving more than $4.3 million funding boost from the government’s He Poutama Rangatahi initiative.
2 February, 2021
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All three digital hubs up and running
The launch of the Digital Spaces hub in Woodville marks the opening of three digital hubs for the Manawatū-Whanganui region.
27 January, 2021
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Horowhenua work-ready from the Get-Go
An innovative career pathway programme in the Horowhenua district is taking students on employment experience adventures with inspiring local businesses.
11 December, 2020
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Ngāti Rangi supports whānau transformation in Ruapehu
A holistic iwi-owned recruitment service is supporting whānau in Ruapehu to achieve their aspirations, thanks to a $960,000 Te Ara Mahi investment managed by the Provincial Development Unit (PDU).
27 November, 2020
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The digital marae – helping connect iwi around the country
The Provincial Development Unit is investing up to $1.8 million to help train iwi to get the most out of the programme to digitally connect marae.
20 November, 2020
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Published: 21 February, 2024