Expanding economic development is the idea behind a newly-created role at the Ruapehu District Council.
Council chief executive Clive Manley said the new role of business development and partnership manager fitted in with the progression of economic development - one of the key objectives that the new council has for the district.
"This new role focuses directly on two of the council's key goals: to create and retain jobs, and grow incomes," Mr Manley said.
He said feedback on the council 2016-17 annual plan indicated that the majority of Ruapehu residents supported the council's plans to invest in economic development.
"So far the council has focused on co-investment opportunities with the government under the Accelerate25 Manawatu-Whanganui Economic action plan. To date this has unlocked $2 million in government investment to extend the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail from Turoa Ski Field to Ohakune plus $100,000 to help prepare a 'Destination, Marketing and Value Proposition' for the region."