Regional Growth Study Results Are Near

9h March 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Regional Growth Study Results Are Near

Central government’s Regional Growth Study for the Manawatu-Whanganui Region that was hailed as a “game-changer” will soon be sharing the results that have been nine months in the making.

As a part of a number of high profile business events centred around the Central District Field Days this week, Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy will be giving an overview of the regional study programme this Thursday , in advance of the study’s formal release expected in late May.

The Manawatu-Whanganui Regional Growth Study was commissioned in July last year to provide analysis of the region’s economy, identify its competitive and comparative advantages, and the actions needed to address constraints and develop opportunities.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce said at the study’s announcement that the region had already identified its abilities as an innovation hub, and that the study would look at how the region could build on these strengths and identify further opportunities to promote economic growth.

“This update meeting is an opportunity for key industry members, business leaders and the interested public to meet and gain further understanding of the region’s development and future,” says Spearhead’s Craig Nash.

Spearhead will also be giving an update on the Central New Zealand Agribusiness Strategy, a regionally lead initiative focusing on driving regional agribusiness exports from $1.9 to $3.8 billion by 2025. The Strategy was initiated collectively by the eight councils within the Horizons Region, with the central government-funded growth study one of the first results of the unique collaboration.

“Our comprehensive agribusiness strategy is focused on understanding markets and maximising the value from our land, distribution infrastructure and investment. Our region has enormous potential, and a shared strategy across all councils is the key to moving the Manawatu-Whanganui region forward and increasing our contribution to the country.”

The Regional Growth Study and CNZAS update session will be held Thursday 12th March from 3-4pm in the FoodHQ marquee at CD Field Days.

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