Funding with tourism focus an opportunity for the region

The Accelerate25 Lead Team has welcomed an announcement which will see Provincial Growth Funding invested in projects targeted at improving tourism potential in Te A¯piti — Manawatu¯ Gorge.

Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau met with successful Provincial Growth Fund applicants in Woodville.

A unique tourist trail between Woodville and Ashhurst to showcase M¯aori culture will receive $100,000 to investigate its potential. While a further $100,000 will go to the Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) to evaluate a range of new tourism experiences in Te A¯piti — Manawatu¯ Gorge.

Accelerate25 Lead Team member and Te A¯piti — Manawatu¯ Gorge Governance Group chair Bruce Gordon is thrilled with the announcement.

“Tourism in our region was identified as a key opportunity in the Manawatu¯-Whanganui Economic Action Plan, and Te A¯piti — Manawatu¯ Gorge is a unique landmark, filled with untapped tourism potential,” he says.

“Additionally, Te A¯piti — Manawatu¯ Gorge Governance Group’s emphasis is on the recreational, biodiversity, educational and cultural values of the area.

“This funding is important as it will allow the recipients to consider ideas, with those values at the forefront of mind, and narrow them down to some key focus areas for further investment.”

Gordon, chair of Horizons Regional Council, believes a tourist trail between Woodville and Ashhurst will be an innovative solution to showcase M¯aori culture.

“Virtual reality technology will be used to tell the story of M¯aori gods and their place in Te Ao M¯aori. It will be a fascinating way of informing tourists and our community of our rich history.”

While in Woodville, Tabuteau also heard from Tararua mayor Tracey Collis about the district’s connectivity hub and a drive towards a coordinated, welldesigned mobile connectivity structure. CEDA’s feasibility study for Te A¯piti — Manawatu¯ Gorge is already underway, with completion expected in August.