CEDA - Central Economic Development Agency

03/09/2026

🏆 We're proud to be sponsoring the Distribution & Logistics - Te Utanganui award at the Yorb Manawatū Business Awards 2026! Te Utanganui is a project helping strengthen Manawatū's position as a key distribution hub for New Zealand. Get your tickets today and join us in celebrating the businesses, leaders and people who make Manawatū a great place to live, work and do business.

✨🏆 Tickets are NOW ON SALE! 🏆✨

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the outstanding achievements of Manawatū businesses at the 2026 Yorb Manawatū Business Awards Gala Celebrations.

📅 Friday, 30 October 2026

🔗 https://events.humanitix.com/business-awards-gala-celebrations-2026

This prestigious black-tie event brings together business leaders, teams, sponsors and supporters from across the region for a spectacular night celebrating the people and businesses who make Manawatū a great place to live, work and do business.

🥂 Enjoy a sparkling welcome before taking your seat for a delicious three-course dinner, with awards presented throughout the evening as we recognise excellence across the Manawatū business community.

And, of course, the night will build to the announcement of the Yorb Manawatū Supreme Business Award – the ultimate celebration of business excellence. 🏆

Whether you're coming to celebrate your own business, support a finalist, entertain clients, enjoy a fantastic night out with your team, or simply be part of one of Manawatū's biggest business celebrations, we'd love to have you there.

✨ Dress code: Black Tie | Formal Evening Wear

🎟️ Individual tickets and smaller group bookings are welcome.
🥂 Bringing the whole team? Tables of 8 are also available.

Tickets are limited, so gather your people, secure your seats and get ready for a very special night of celebration, connection and Manawatū business excellence.

We can't wait to celebrate with you! 🧡

31/08/2026

🚀 Applications for the Research & Development (R&D) Career Grant are now open! Businesses can receive up to $30,000 for a Master’s graduate or $35,000 for a PhD graduate to support six months of full-time employment on a research and development project. The grant gives businesses access to new ideas and perspectives, while helping graduates apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.

Funding is allocated on a first-in, first-served basis. Learn more and apply 🔗 https://www.business.govt.nz/tax-and-money/innovation-funding/r-and-d-career-grant

Whether you're developing a new product, improving a process, or tackling a complex challenge, this funding could help fast-track your Research & Development ambitions.

28/08/2026

Recently, business owners from Manawatū, Tararua and Horowhenua joined Dr Chris Gallavin's Business Continuity Workshop series, gaining practical tools and insights to help their businesses adapt, respond and thrive through uncertainty. Chris's expertise in navigating complex change challenged participants to think strategically about resilience and long-term success.

At CEDA, we're committed to supporting businesses with opportunities like this. Through workshops, events and expert-led learning, we help equip our business community with the knowledge, connections and confidence to tackle challenges head-on and seize future opportunities.

Find out more about how CEDA supports local businesses 🔗 https://ceda.nz/

27/08/2026

CEDA’s work elevates our region by celebrating the stories of those who choose Manawatū as their home, helping attract talent and business to the area. Our regional brand is always the hero, while CEDA remains a subtle watermark – purposefully letting our place shine.

Discover how Lisa found both community and connection here, courageously building Healthy Love in Manawatū. It's stories like hers that inspire new beginnings and showcase why so many choose to succeed in our thriving region.

Why We Share Regional Stories
By profiling real journeys like Lisa’s, we’re making the heart of Manawatū visible to those considering the move. With every story, we welcome new faces and fresh possibilities – shaping a vibrant, resilient community together.

CEDA: Championing Manawatū’s Growth
Behind every regional success, there’s a purposeful CEDA touch – amplifying voices, championing connections, and fostering a place people are proud to call home.

Read Lisa's full story here: https://manawatunz.co.nz/stories/finding-home-in-manawatu-lisas-journey-of-community-connection-and-building-healthy-love/

27/08/2026

CEDA was proud to support the Feilding & District Promotion Business After 5 (BA5) event 'Adapting to Change' which brought together local business leaders for an engaging discussion on navigating change and being resilient in an ever-changing world.

CEDA's Carol Hayward also shared how businesses can connect with our Business Support team to access advice, programmes, and connections that help them adapt, grow, and succeed 🌱

One of the standout themes from the evening was hearing the honest and open learnings from local businesses highlighting how much easier it is to grow and adapt when surrounded by a supportive business community and operating in a strong, diversified, and connected region 📈 and the importance of getting under the hood of your business and using data-driven insights to make informed decisions.

👏 A big thank you to panellists from Focal Point Cinema & Cafe Feilding, AgriHQ, Local Food NZ + Feilding Farm Shop, and Salt & Honey Salt & Honey for sharing their experiences and insights, and to Amanda Linsley, CEO of the Manawatū Business Chamber, for expertly facilitating the conversation.

26/08/2026

It was a pleasure to welcome the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to Manawatū as part of their nationwide tour visiting Regional Business Partner (RBP) agencies.

The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the impact of the RBP programme firsthand, connecting with local businesses that have accessed funding and support to grow, innovate and strengthen their operations.

A big thank you to Biophive, Hardy R***e, and Brew Union Brewing Company for opening their doors and sharing their business journeys. Hearing directly from businesses about the difference the programme has made is a powerful reminder of the value of investing in regional growth and innovation.

Thanks to MBIE for taking the time to visit our region – we look forward to continuing to support businesses to thrive across Manawatū.

If you're a business owner looking for support and networking opportunities, reach out to see how we can help you take your business to the next level! 🚀 https://ceda.nz/our-business-support/business-enquiry-form/

24/08/2026

The CEDA team recently toured the new Tryp by Wyndham Palmerston North ahead of its November opening, and it's shaping up to be a game-changer for our city centre.

With 86 rooms, retail space, a new Lone Star restaurant and a prime location in the heart of the city, TRYP will create more reasons for people to visit, stay, work and invest in Palmy & Manawatū.

What makes this project even more special is the commitment to the heritage side of the building. The original 1905 building is being carefully restored, with historic features brought back to life, including the reinstatement of chimneys, restored architectural details and timber trusses repurposed from the original structure.

It's a powerful example of how we can honour our past while building for the future.

23/08/2026

Unlock the power of strategic marketing with 'A practical approach to marketing strategy and planning' facilitated by Mark Inman and the team from Blacksheepdesign.

You'll learn to set clear objectives, evaluate audiences, refine your messaging, choose the right communication channels, and measure your results.

By the end, you'll walk away with the knowledge and tools to help you create a comprehensive marketing strategy that is tailored specifically to your business.

🗓 Thursday 24th September, 8:30am for a 9:00am start
📍Focal Point Cinema Function Room, 223 Cuba St, Palmerston North
💰 $500 + GST per person - numbers are limited so get in quick!

This workshop is registered with the Regional Business Partner Programme and your business may be eligible for co-funding. Book a free 30-minute one-on-one session with a CEDA Business Growth Advisor to see if this workshop can help support your business: https://ceda.nz/our-business-support/business-enquiry-form/

21/08/2026

The results of the 2026 Manawatū Business Survey are in, and the outlook is one of cautious confidence.

Conducted in collaboration between CEDA and the Manawatū Business Chamber, this survey gives us a valuable snapshot of what's happening for local businesses.

While challenges like skills shortages remain, businesses are optimistic about the year ahead and see plenty of opportunity for growth across sectors like agritech, logistics, manufacturing, technology and innovation. We're also seeing more businesses embrace AI, with many looking for practical support to make the most of it.

A big thank you to everyone who shared their views. Your feedback helps shape the work we do to support businesses and grow a stronger Manawatū.

Do you want to know more about the survey findings or keen to chat about what they could mean for your business? Send us a direct message or get in touch at www.CEDA.nz/contact.