28 | “Businesses here are more likely to develop closer relationships, get more face-to -face time and quickly get to know who is who in town. That all helps to get things done.” Whanganui & Partners Whanganui has a strong manufacturing base, making up 12.2% of our total GDP, which continues to grow ahead of New Zealand’s growth. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Whanganui is thriving in post-lockdown regional New Zealand with consumer spend bouncing back, construction projects in progress, all the indicators positive and an energized vibe in town. Jonathan Sykes from economic development agency Whanganui & Partners believes the city’s optimism and resilience to adversity has much to do with the way people go about business. He says it’s about the networking, the speed at which networks develop, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the magnetism of ‘ideas people’ who make things happen very quickly. “Whanganui’s big enough to operate a national business from while small enough to have that direct relationship with a business like ours, the Council and other business people. Businesses here are more likely to develop closer relationships, get more face-to -face time and quickly get to know who is who in town. That all helps to get things done.” Staffed with a business support team Whanganui & Partners is a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) that businesses can tap into for specialist advice, mentoring and support. The organisation is also charged with promoting Whanganui as a place for businesses and tourists. Encompassing 2373 square kilometres with the famous Whanganui River flowing through its heart, the district of Whanganui boasts a population of 48,100, the vast majority of which live within the city. A microclimate always a degree or two warmer than other regions and frosts a rarity, Whanganui is a strong agricultural district with an emerging horticultural sector. The temperate climate and cheaper housing relative to other regions has made the district traditionally popular with the over-65 age bracket. “Compared to New Zealand averages we’re missing that working age population although the trends show the gap is reducing with more people in the traditional working age moving to Whanganui, and bringing their families here for the lifestyle.” Returning ex-pat Kiwis and others leaving the major centres are moving to regions like Whanganui with an impact on house availability. “House prices in the last year increased by 38%; there’s just so little supply and very high demand. Despite those increases we still remain more affordable than other regional centres. Building consents have increased recently, which is good for the construction industry, and there’s a lot of supply in the pipeline with Council opening up a few pockets of land with a substantial number of dwellings to be developed.” Whanganui thriving in trying times T Richard Loader Jonathan says that while Covid has accelerated the migration, people were already moving out of the major centres, realising they could live in Whanganui and still work for a company in the major centres, while businesses were also moving their bases to Whanganui to capitalise on the districts lower overheads. “Our strong manufacturing base makes up 12.2% of our total GDP, which continues to grow ahead of New Zealand’s growth. Much of the manufacturing is niche, high value products needed around New Zealand and abroad. “With our good climate agriculture represents 7.2% of our local GDP and there’s a push towards diversification. Aside from those areas we’re big in education, training and other public services.” Combine those industry sectors and Whanganui had an in-built resilience to the damaging effects of CV19. While less reliant on tourism, particularly from an international perspective, the region is enjoying a growing tourism industry with New Zealand longest navigable river a major draw. A number of key infrastructure projects are also injecting valuable dollars, employment and gloss into Whanganui, some of which have benefited from the Provincial Growth fund (PGF). “Our port revitalization project is in its infancy and has received funding of around $26.75m. That project is about redevelopment of the port and local employment. At the moment there’s a high level of engagement with all the parties involved to ensure the project is done right. “There’s also the 100-year-old Sarjeant Gallery that’s being restored and expanded. “That will not only attract more tourists but also bring immediate benefit of more construction jobs. “That was a sizeable investment from central government as well and a great example of construction work that’s going on right now with the opening due in 2023.” Rejuvenation of the town centre will enhance the shopping, café and restaurant experience, creating places where people want to spend more time and ultimately money. “That’s more in the engagement process at the moment but we’re already seeing that consumer spend in Whanganui is up between 5% and 10% from the same time the previous year. That’s a trend we’ve seen for the last 2 – 3 years now.” With its microclimate, coast, river and a thriving community, Whanganui has much to offer and Kiwis and businesses are answering the call to action. The Tasman Tannning Company Ltd Heads Road, PO Box 217, Wanganui, New Zealand Leather 03 349 0595 | www.tasmanleathers.co.nz
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