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Manawatū proudly boasts a strong and resilient economy, with our largest sectors of distribution and logistics, education, defence, agriculture, agrifood, science and tech, and health and manufacturing.

We're also home to two defence bases; Ōhakea Air Base and Linton Army Camp and three tertiary institutes, the regions central position and diverse economic profile have positioned it well for the $8 billion (NZD) of public and private investment over the next ten years, working to accelerate growth now and into the future.

Manawatū’s economy continues to outperform other regions in New Zealand in the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the region’s economy did take a hit in the aftermath of the pandemic, our economic diversity means that the region is in a good position to weather the storm, with our key sectors of strength proving resilient and buoyant, some even bouncing back to better than pre COVID-19 levels.

The region plays host to many local, national, and global business headquarters, and due to its central location and available infrastructure, including the third largest airport for freight in New Zealand, Manawatū lends itself as a logistical gateway to the rest of New Zealand and the world. In fact, Palmerston North is 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, and we want you to join us.

Aotearoa has a proud and extensive background of growing and producing food, with New Zealand food brands globally recognised and sought after. Manawatū plays a crucial role in building and maintaining this position with its naturally fertile land, favourable geographic placement, and powerful cluster of agritech and agrifood entrepreneurs, researchers, and companies.


Did you know more than 3,900 scientists and researchers call Palmerston North home, and with every necessary component of the food industry contained within its small geographic boundary – from research and production, packaging and distribution, venture capital firms and three Crown Research Institutes, it is natural to position the region’ as the national hub for agritech and food innovation.

Of course! Palmerston North City and Manawatū District Councils are committed to developing and supporting increased housing and infrastructure to support the growth of the region. Manawatū is super flexible where you can live 15 minutes out of the city and be on a lifestyle block property, or in an inner-city townhouse or modern suburban home in walking distance to the best schools, creating a compelling lifestyle to attract new talent to the region, and retain them.  

Palmerston North city and Manawatū is the home to some of the brightest minds in Aotearoa, world-class research and educational institutions and an established business ecosystem that is connected to the world.