MANAWATU - WANGANUI
The region is home to many high performing businesses, supporting the rural base.
The diverse landscape and our strong pastoral farming heritage have led the City, and its university, Massey, to develop a respected science and research base in agri-foods and food innovation. Its central location creates many unique advantages from which have developed significant capability in transport, warehousing and related logistics services.
It is a naturally efficient distribution hub as acknowledged by the long standing presence of Toyota, Ezibuy, Foodstuffs, DKSH, Woolworths NZ, Open Country Dairy, Suzuki Motors, Mars Pet Care, Affco and many others.
It is a powerful primary producer of agricultural business and food with some very smart innovations that are changing New Zealand and world practices; plus a significant and growing base of over 600 world class food scientists as well as many companies who are developing innovative products.
The Manawatu – Wanganui region is located in the lower half of the North Island of New Zealand, comprising the Local Territorial Authorities of the Tararua, Manawatu, Horowhenua, Rangitikei, Wanganui and Ruapehu districts and Palmerston North City. With over 50% of the land area comprising hill country the region is recognised as a significant sheep and beef producer. Other significant land uses include dairy farming, forestry and horticulture.
Education is a critical sector that makes an enormous contribution to our region’s economy, and is a massive draw card for talent and innovative projects – there is excellence here in Trades, Design, Defence, Aviation, Engineering, etc.
Defence has a long track record in the region, with Linton Army Base, Ohakea Air force Base and Waiouru Training Camp and together with support staff employ over 5% of the regions workforce.
Some key manufacturing industries have set up in this region because of the well stablished infrastructure such as rail, road and ultrafast internet and central position with close proximity to major markets.