The Manawatū-Whanganui Economic Action Plan serves as our strategic roadmap to accelerate economic and social growth in the Manawatū-Whanganui region.
The original plan was released in 2016 and built upon the 2015 Regional Growth Study, which used in-depth analysis and stakeholder consultations to identify economic opportunities and enabling factors.
Read the 2016 Manawatū-Whanganui Economic Action Plan
In 2020, Henley Hutchings conducted a comprehensive review of Accelerate25, which offered a framework for post-COVID-19 economic recovery, long-term growth and recommendations for the programme’s future direction.
The report emphasised a unified, strategic approach to economic growth that leverages regional strengths while addressing long-standing challenges. Its recommendations underscored the importance of leadership, collaboration, and adaptability to navigate the post-COVID recovery and position Manawatū-Whanganui as a key economic hub in New Zealand.
Accelerate25 Lead Team Programme
The recommendations in the 2020 review led to the development of a new A25 Lead Team Programme, which aims to accelerate economic growth in the region by strengthening industry sectors, improving infrastructure, and supporting regional leadership.
The programme prioritises innovation, sustainability, and Māori economic development, ensuring alignment with national investment priorities. Its key objectives include:
- Fast-tracking strategic priorities to position Manawatū-Whanganui as a key economic hub in New Zealand.
- Acting as a catalyst/enabler—providing direction, resources, and advocacy while working through other regional entities.
- Aligning with central government investment, ensuring co-funding and sustainable project development.
Pillars and Bearers
The 2020 refresh identified four “Pillars” and six “Bearers” as the transformative priority areas to drive economic growth within the Manawatū-Whanganui Region, and build a modern, contemporary economy. The Pillars are the wealth creation drivers of the economy that create regional comparative advantage. They collectively comprise the key elements of the growth centre. The Bearers are the essential foundations and enablers upon which the pillars rest and depend on.
Four Pillars
Sustainable food and fibre
Including Food Technology products and Agri-tech capability
Specialised services
Technology, high value specialised manufacturing and tertiary services
Māori economy
Realising the value lying in the Maori economy
Tourism
Shaped with a long-term view
Six Bearers
Effective transport networks
Throughout the region and with other regions, scaled for growth
High performing workforce
Through education, learning and skills
High speed internet connectivity
To support enhanced business technologies
Community infrastructure
To support quality of life and attract population
Energy
Renewable and available
Environmental sustainability
Because this is a bottom line for a modern economy