4 | T T Karen Phelps Region thriving with diversity and vision CEDA’s 2025–26 Statement of Intent outlines progress across its three economic pillars of Business, People and Place. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) We’re here for the good of the country. The Manawatū economy continues to show resilience and momentum as long-term infrastructure, visitor-sector growth and business investment come together under the Central Economic Development Agency’s CEDA) latest Statement of Intent. “We are seeing a region that is resetting its economic thermostat while staying remarkably stable,” says Jerry Shearman, chief executive of the Central Economic Development Agency. “That stability comes from diversity – food, logistics, research, tourism – and from pillar projects that hold us firm through economic cycles.” CEDA’s 2025–26 Statement of Intent outlines progress across its three economic pillars of Business, People and Place, with a clear focus on enabling growth rather than short-term wins. Its role is to connect investors, businesses, talent and communities, along with removing barriers to expansion. “At its core, CEDA exists to make it easier for businesses to succeed here,” says Jerry. “That means supporting expansion, attracting new investment, showcasing opportunity and advocating for infrastructure that unlocks growth.” One of the most significant drivers is Te Utanganui – the Central New Zealand Distribution Hub, described as an anchor project for the region. When fully completed, the multi-year development will span more than 700 hectares, centred around Palmerston North Airport, one of only three airports in New Zealand with 24/7 airfreight consent. “This project is transformational,” says Jerry. “It positions Palmerston North and the Manawatū district as the logistics heart of the lower and central North Island, connecting air, road and rail in a way no other region currently can.” Already more than 80 businesses operate within the distribution park, including Foodstuffs, Primary Connect, Toyota New Zealand, Vestas and Australian Defence Apparel. A $45 million redevelopment of the Palmerston North Airport terminal is underway, and planning is progressing on two major next steps: the Manawatū Regional Freight Ring Road and the KiwiRail Freight Hub at Bunnythorpe. CentrePort Wellington and Napier Port are partners in the project with early signals suggesting wider national benefits as freight patterns evolve. “The scale of impact is enormous,” says Jerry. “This hub brings jobs, investment and resilience, and it is already attracting interest from ports and shipping lines well beyond the region.” Jerry says Manawatū’s visitor economy is expanding steadily. The Destination Management Plan continues to guide investment into experiences and infrastructure, including Te Āpiti - Manawatū Gorge, where there are a number of projects planned to activate walking and cycling trails linking to the new motorway. “This project reconnects people to a spectacular landscape while creating a genuine tourism asset,” says Jerry. “It’s about building experiences that also serve locals.” Accommodation capacity is also growing, with a new 4.5-star Safari Wyndham Tryp hotel under construction and scheduled to open in November. Jerry says discussions are ongoing with other hotel developers and management companies as confidence returns to the visitor sector. He says Manawatū’s cultural and intellectual strengths remain a cornerstone of its appeal. The region is home to Centrepoint Theatre, New Zealand’s only regional professional theatre, and a strong research and innovation ecosystem, with more than 3000 scientists working across food, agri-tech and applied science. “Our food story is world-class,” says Jerry. “The Manawatū Regional Food Strategy is now embedded, and it aligns our research capability with sustainable nutrition and global demand.” For businesses, CEDA offers practical, hands-on support from business growth workshops and innovation partnerships to talent attraction, investment facilitation and advocacy with central government. “We take a long-term view,” Jerry says. “Our job is to future-proof the region so businesses can make confident decisions about investing, expanding and staying.” With the lower and central North Island producing more than 22% of national GDP, Manawatū’s strategic position is increasingly clear. “This region is thriving because it is deliberate, collaborative and ambitious,” says Jerry. “We know where we are going, and we are building the foundations to get there.” Jerry Shearman
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