A new working group focused on finding social and economic solutions for the challenges facing the Tararua District has come together for the first time.
"I'm very excited and it's going to be fantastic," Tararua District Mayor Tracey Collis said.
"The initial meeting was to discuss the scope and understand some of the challenges our district faces, including the impact and trends around the closure of the Manawatu Gorge, including looking at the flow of some goods and services and tourists."
Mrs Collis said the study would be pivotal in turning our district around.
"The data will give us the ability to build and develop opportunities.
"We've got to celebrate our successes and Tararua has many and every one of them has been driven by inconveniences, you just need to look at the Dannevirke Community Hospital, celebrating 20 years.