Welcome to Manawatū

Located in the heart of the central North Island, Manawatū comprises the two councils of Palmerston North City and Manawatū District. Situated on the main trunk rail line, and at the intersection of the State Highways connecting Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington; Manawatū is uniquely centered within a stone's throw of a wide population base, providing seamless national and global connectivity for businesses.

POPULATION BASE
Palmerston North 90,500
Manawatu District 33,900
Lower North Island 1.1Million

MANAWATŪ: YOUR STRATEGIC HUB FOR GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
Manawatū offers unparalleled connectivity, making it an ideal

location for businesses looking to thrive in both domestic and

global markets. Whether considering relocating or investing,
Manawatū provides a central advantage that drives business
success.

SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY
Manawatū boasts an extensive transportation network that ensures smooth and efficient travel
throughout the region and beyond. With major state highways, flights, and rail links, getting to
key cities such as Wellington, Napier, or New Plymouth is a breeze. This level of accessibility
enables businesses to remain well-connected, fostering both local and international
collaborations.

EFFORTLESS LOGISTICS
Beyond its central location, Manawatū stands out with a robust logistics infrastructure. From a
24/7 air freight service to proximity to key ports, the region ensures swift and reliable movement
of goods. Manawatū is home to the third node of New Zealand’s distribution and logistics
network, Te Utanganui, complementing the country's other major hubs in the Golden Triangle
and Christchurch. With access to top-tier logistics providers and 3PL services, businesses can
operate with maximum efficiency and reach markets quickly.

YOUR BUSINESS PARTNER: CEDA
As the region’s economic development agency (EDA), the Central Economic Development
Agency (CEDA), are leaders in driving growth and innovation in the Manawatū region. Whether

you need support with talent attraction, business expansion, or investment opportunities, CEDA
is the go-to partner for achieving success in the vibrant heart of New Zealand's central North
Island.

KEY INITIATIVES
As the EDA for the Central North Island, the team at CEDA are guided by the following core objectives which are aligned to the three strategic pillars of economic development: Business, People and Place (underpinned by partnerships) and designed to create the environment, stimulus, outcomes and impact that will power our economic prosperity and achieve our vision
for the region.

CEDA's KEY PROJECTS
 Te Utanganui | Central New Zealand Distribution Hub
 Manawatū Regional Food Strategy
 Manawatū Destination Management Plan
 Accelerating Inward Investment to leverage the region’s pipeline
 Attracting more commercial accommodation options

To explore the opportunities that await in Manawatū and get the flavour of the region, visit our regional website ManawatuNZ.co.nz for comprehensive information on the region's advantages. Don't miss our dedicated regional sector hub, which highlights key industries and projects underway. For a quick overview of the economic landscape, check out our economic snapshot, providing valuable insights into the benefits of doing business in this vibrant area. Together, let's
unlock the full potential of your business in Manawatū!

Meet the CEDA Leadership

CHAIRPERSON

Bobbie O'Fee

Central Economic Development Agency

Manawatū has many strengths to leverage from, with our significant diversity of sectors
providing ongoing resilience, our central positioning in the heart of New Zealand, and our
unrivalled capacity for growth. With more than $8 billion of infrastructure investment underway,
Manawatū is well positioned.

Key economic pillar projects such as Te Utanganui continues to drive us forward as a region,
which cements our region as one of the three key nodes in New Zealand's transport and
logistics network and provides a compelling proposition for further investment and business
growth.

I am passionate about the region and the possibilities that ahead, and as all of New Zealand
adjusts to the changing business landscape I am confident that our unique economic diversity
will keep us steady, as we continue to grow and thrive.

We are not content for the region to just grow organically. Here in Manawatū we are committed
to fostering strong connections, forging new opportunities and working with investors and
businesses to drive sustainable growth.
Having lived and worked in many different places, both in New Zealand and abroad, I have
always returned to Manawatū because I believe in what it offers families and businesses. The
region is uniquely positioned with significant strengths in primary industries, education,
research, distribution, and the government sector and it is these strengths that provide the
perfect platform for your investment and business – come and join us.

Bobbie O’Fee, Chairperson
Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA)

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Jerry Shearman

Central Economic Development Agency

Kia ora Koutou,

The Manawatū region proudly boasts a strong and resilient economy, with our unique diversity
of large sectors ensuring sustainable growth now and into the future. Some of our largest
sectors in Manawatū include distribution and logistics, manufacturing, education, tourism,
defence, agriculture, agrifood, science and research, and health.

The region plays host to many national, and global businesses due to its central location and
available infrastructure, including the third largest airport for freight in New Zealand with 24/7
operations. Manawatū’s central position and diverse economic profile have positioned it well for
the $8bn (NZD) of transport and infrastructure investment underway over the next seven years,
Manawatū lends itself as a logistical gateway to the rest of New Zealand and the world, with
Palmerston North being the only city in New Zealand to offer rail, road, and air connectivity in
adjacent developments, with strategic links to seaports.

Offering cost effective land, with capacity for growth and expansion to deliver on New Zealand’s
growing freight demands efficiently and sustainably, this region is on an exciting growth
trajectory.

The competitive low costs of living and doing business in Manawatū ensures that businesses
and their employees will be well looked after at an affordable rate, making it easier to attract and
retain talent.

Our region is an increasingly popular area for commercial developments, and we can offer a
variety of affordable land options that fit most needs.

We’re committed to facilitating connections to help you move new opportunities forward
smoothly and promptly.

Manawatū has it all - the capability to meet every business’s requirement, the relationships to
facilitate success and an affordable location where staff want to stay, and people can easily
visit. We have a proven record of success that is enticing international and national companies
to make Manawatū their home.
We believe these many advantages set us apart, Just ask the big businesses who choose to
call Manawatū home – Foodstuffs, Mainfreight, Woolworths, Toyota, FMG, Norwood and many
others.

Nga mihi nui,
Jerry Shearman, Chief Executive
Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA)