Supposed ‘hicks from the sticks’ are innovators and generators

I’ll never forget the first time I was called a “hillbilly” and a “rural hick”. Not because I was offended, but because I was baffled. Some years ago I was working in the Wellington CBD. At one meeting someone asked about weekend plans. I mentioned I was taking the kids to an A&P show which returned first a silent confusion, then a variety of rural-based jibes.

To my mind, I was born and raised in Palmerston North — a city of 90,000. Hardly rural — at least by New Zealand standards. But it seems more obvious to outsiders just how integrated our regional city is with our wider rural regions.

Over the past few weeks, we have had the New Zealand Rural Games in Palmerston North and the Central Districts Field Days in Feilding. International judges arrived in Feilding for the New Zealand Dairy Event. Manawatu¯ is the benefactor of the stabilising effect of a robust primary sector. We saw this best during Covid-19, when the Manawatu¯ economy remained stable while other regions struggled more.

Many of the small to medium businesses in Palmerston North and the region are focused on the rural market. Whether they are tech, engineering, production or development, many products ultimately end up on a farm.

We also have significant rural businesses like FMG, Norwood and Fonterra’s Research and Development base headquartered in the city. The Southern Hemisphere’s largest stock saleyards are in Feilding.

Massey University was established as an agricultural college.

But there is a strange relationship between Palmerston North and its surrounding regions. As the bigger player, I don’t think many understand just how much we benefit and are supported by our neighbours.

And our local agricultural and rural sector should be noticed. It is innovative, efficient and forwardfocused.

Ensol is a Palmerston North-based company that specialises in farm fuel tanks that hold an exhaust fluid that reduces the emissions in dieselpowered farm vehicles.

Ensol general manager Shane Parlato says farmers were looking for innovation. The old-fashioned mentality of having no regard for emissions had become a dwindling 2 per cent of “anti-establishment” farmers.

Talking to any farmer or agricultural-connected business bears this truth. Farmers are desperate to use their land, seed and stock in the most efficient, resourceful and renewable way possible. This is what allows them to be successful. So while I’m no hick, our city and region should bear recognition and appreciation for the role they play in driving innovation, sustainability, and economic stability, not just locally but on a global scale.

Stefan Speller is a Palmerston North governance board chairman, speaker and local government commentator.