Solving access issues to Rangitikei's land-locked land is seen as having an economic spin-off for the region.
Moves are under way to find an answer and Mayor Andy Watson sees substantial benefits in doing so.
Such land, much of it Maori-owned, is surrounded by other properties and not able to be accessed by road and therefore difficult to use productively.
Mr Watson met Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson last month to discuss the process.
About 20 per cent of Rangitikei's total area was land-locked and full use of it could generate up to $40 million in GDP, Mr Watson said.