Single-minded success - Settlement Support

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Story by Vision Manawatū
Manawatü is a growing regional centre based in the lower North Island. Our region combines the
charm of rural New Zealand with the sophisticated provincial appeal of Palmerston North city.
The landscape varies from the Ruahine and Tararua
mountain ranges, the spectacular Manawatü Gorge and
picturesque Pohangina Valley to coastal plains and beaches. The
region enjoys a mild climate, providing fantastic growing conditions
for the many public, world-class gardens. Manawatü has
affordable housing options including many lifestyle choices.
Manawatü is a great place to raise a family, with a huge range
of recreational options, cultural facilities, a café culture and
no traffic congestion.
The local economy is diverse with a high proportion of employment
in education, health services and defence. The agriculture
sector continues to underpin the wealth of the wider region,
with a focus on dairy farming, cropping, vegetables, sheep
and beef. There is also a strong public sector that offers many
opportunities for the private sector.
www.immigration.govt.nz
The population of the Manawatü region is forecast to grow
at a moderate rate (just under the New Zealand average) over
the next 10 years. This is much faster than many provincial
centres and most small rural areas. Manawatü has a relatively
young demographic with its many students and defence force
personnel. This provides more vibrancy and social opportunities
than most other regional provincial centres. Natural population
growth accounts for around 75% of the projected population
growth for the region and provides a high and steady
underlying growth rate. While Manawatü benefits from growth
in New Zealand as a whole, additional growth is coming from
business activity moving from the wider lower North Island
into the Manawatü regional centre.
Employment has grown strongly by 21% in the wider Manawatü
from 2000 to 2010, increasing slightly faster than national
LINKZ | ISSUE 48 | 2011 11