What is the most important thing in the world? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. It is the people. The Wairarapa has a unique population demographic which sees under-representation of 18-55 year olds. Conversely, we are over-represented in the retirement age-groups of 65+. This has resulted in acute skills and labour shortages across the region, despite overall population growth. By supporting the ‘Wairarapa Workforce Plan’ we aim to increase the overall population of the productive age groups by 2000 people before 2030. By targeting growth sectors to attract and retain skilled residents in the Wairarapa, we will help our region THRIVE.

Business ownership is a huge part of the Wairarapa identity – both economically and socially. As of 2022, there are over 6000 Business Units registered in the region, with business ownership and self-employment totalling 26% of our total Workforce. Wairarapa also represents over 10% of all businesses registered in the Greater Wellington Region. Supporting and upskilling our business community will help our region THRIVE.

Learn about our business ecosystem and the avenues to access support, funding, collaboration and development in the 'Helpful Resources' section below.

Ngati Kahungunu and Rangitane are the Mana Whenua of the Wairarapa, and their culture, aspirations and investment will have an enduring impact on our region. Approximately  17% of all Wairarapa residents whakapapa Māori, compared to 12% of the wellington region overall. In contrast to Wairarapa trends,, our Māori population is very young (58% under 30 years of age compared to 38% of non – Māori). And the population of Māori under 30 is expected to rise significantly in the next 20 years. The Māori economy and population is expanding – investing in Iwi relationships and enterprise will help our region THRIVE.

Water is critical to our lives, our wellbeing and our economic potential. In the face of climate change effects - coupled with the need to ease pressures on the natural environment (through the introduction of the Te Mana o te Wai and Whaitua Implementation Plans), access to reliable water will diminish in many areas, especially in Wairarapa, at critical times of the year. Wairarapa needs appropriate infrastructure, environmental management and collective resilience solutions to be available to preserve economic development opportunities, especially in agriculture, horticulture, manufacturing and tourism. WEDS will explore industry-led water solutions and land optimisation initiatives; whilst supporting our regions leadership to deliver the overall Water Resilience Strategy.

A key focus of our strategy is growing digital and tech capability, because our region has the opportunity to create more jobs and improve residents’ wellbeing by nurturing and supporting more businesses into this high-growth area. Technology is changing the way we work, and companies that use technology are growing faster than ever. Twenty years ago, most local advertising dollars were spent on television, radio and print. Now, New Zealand businesses spend more than $1b per year on Google and Facebook advertising. The internet has enabled smart companies to reach a global audience and leverage a worldwide workforce. With the Covid-fuelled trend to work remotely, Wairarapa can harness this trend and leverage opportunities in the digital and technologies sector to help our region THRIVE.