Business // Pakihi

Our Business Community

From government agencies and research institutions to national and global headquarters, large enterprises, and world-leading tech startups, Manawatū is home to a diverse and connected business ecosystem.

This unique mix of local, national, and international organisations fuels a culture of collaboration, innovation, and shared success—making our business community one that truly thrives on connection.

This diversity isn’t just our strength – it's your opportunity. Manawatū is a place where every enterprise contributes to a resilient economic landscape made up of connections. Here, your business can seamlessly join a community where collaboration crosses sectors, sparking innovation and growth. The region is humming, and the well-established business ecosystem is ready to welcome you onboard.

Discover why Manawatū is the smart choice for your next investment.

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A hub of  connections.

Manawatū thrives on strong cross-sector partnerships, driving innovation, research, and business success. The region’s collaborative environment fosters opportunities for companies to connect, grow, and lead in their industries.

Home to several thriving networking organisations, and a busy calendar of opportunities to connect and influence, businesses and investors alike will find that Manawatū is embedded in connections and networks, making your journey into the region smooth and productive.

The team at the regions’ economic development agency, CEDA, are on hand to help ensure you can connect and thrive here. Get in touch with the team today and start making the most of everything our region has to offer

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BIG BUSINESS.

Manawatū is home to a thriving network of major employers, each with workforces of 100 or more.

These organisations span sectors including defence, logistics, agrifood, education, health, advanced manufacturing and more. Forming the backbone of the region’s economy, their presence not only provides thousands of quality jobs but also drives regional resilience, fosters career pathways, and attracts skilled talent from across New Zealand and beyond. With ongoing investment and business growth, Manawatū continues to offer a stable, opportunity-rich environment for large-scale enterprise.

Collaboration Hub

Collaboration is more than a value in Manawatū, it’s a defining strength. The region is known for its strong culture of cross-sector partnerships, bringing together industry leaders, iwi, mana whenua, research institutions, and government agencies to solve challenges, share knowledge, and accelerate innovation. This collaborative ecosystem supports world-class research, especially in agrifood, science and technology, and helps businesses scale by creating connections that span sectors and markets. Whether you're a startup or a multinational, Manawatū offers the networks, infrastructure, and spirit of partnership to help your business thrive.

Our team loves living in Manawatū because of its excellent schools, abundant outdoor activities, affordable housing, and ease of getting around. We also enjoy doing business here due to the region's manageable size, strong support networks, and community-driven programs that foster growth and collaboration.
Marc Clinch, Builtsmart Manawatū
Having outgrown our manufacturing operation set up in Wellington, we did some looking around and discovered Manawatū. It has been an easy, positive move for us.
Nicki Crowley, Scafit
In other cities I have lived and worked, breaking into business networks can be a challenge. In Manawatū, I have been able to do that in a much faster way, with people in similar roles to mine, and it's that attitude - growth through connection - from the business community that has been the key to our success
David Lanham, Palmerston North Airport

hear from our business community

Hear directly from the people and businesses keeping our region ticking, real stories of what doing business in Manawatū really means. Explore them here.

discover our sector stories

BUILDING SUCCESS THROUGH POSITIVITY

Infrastructure & Construction

Narley Construction is big on fostering a vibrant and happy workplace and building a strong team culture. This positive approach only enhances their team's happiness and contributes to the success of their business. 

LETS CHAT.

Contact us today to explore how your business can prosper in Manawatū. We are committed to fostering strong connections, and working with investors and businesses to drive sustainable growth and opportunities.