Since its launch last August, significant progress is being made in implementing many of the identified opportunities in the Manawatu-Whanganui Economic Action Plan under the banner of Accelerate25.
Accelerate25 lead team member Pahia Turia has been heavily involved with the creation of the document and said now is the time for iwi to work with each other to help grow the region's economic potential.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand Transport Agency, district and city council mayors and Horizons Regional Council chairman Bruce Gordon, are rapidly progressing the development of business cases for state highway and local road improvements for better access to central New Zealand.
In the past six months a number of project teams have been formed to help lead the implementation of key actions in the plan, with involvement from business, iwi, local, regional and central government.
Manuka production continues to feature strongly in the region with companies such as the Dannevirke-based True Honey Company recently launching its product in the United Kingdom.