Fortnight in Review: 19 - 30 August 2019

*The WaiPay project was introduced, with a focus on an event on 14 October at which packages and rates offers will be announced, along with support to retailers to transition.

*The WEDS programme team presented to 40 Rongotai College students, who were visiting the region from Wellington. The presentation focussed on the changing shape of the Wairarapa's economy and discussion was held on opportunities for young people in our region.

*The Knowledge Intensive Action Group progressed the WaiPay project and initiated the next priority for action: unlocking and extending mobile and broadband infrastructure and access across the region. More to be announced shortly.

*The first meeting of the Wairarapa Angel Club was held, with over 20 angels attending to hear a pitch from an emerging tech business and to discuss other investment opportunities. Entrepreneurs interested in connecting with the Angel club should email marieclaire.andrews@wellingtonnz.com

*The Wairarapa Food & Beverage Trust (applicants to the PGF for the Wairarapa Food Hub) briefed Kieran McAnulty on the application.

*The Provincial Development Unit team were in the region to meet with a project team at Lake Ferry to outline potential funding options for a cultural visitor experience and other activities based there.

*The Food Action Group hosted the Food Innovation Network team, based in Gisborne, to understand ways our regions producers could access the FIN programmes and services. It is likely that training and coaching programmes can be run by FIN, for our producers very soon.

*The Governance Group received an update from Greater Wellington Regional Council on the 1 Billion Trees programme. The update focussed on the attached document - a framework for obtaining the full benefit from forests across the Wellington Region. The document intends to provide direction to get the right tree in the right place for the right purpose.