In Review: 23 Sept - 18 Oct

The WEDS Food Action Group has been developing a business plan for various elements of the Wairarapa Food and Beverage Hub to ensure momentum across all aspects.

The Wairarapa Food and Beverage Trust has been providing context for the Provincial Development Unit as the hub application to the Provincial Growth Fund progresses through various assessment stages. A decision on the Wairarapa Food and Beverage Hub application is expected later this year.

The WEDS Knowledge Intensive Action Group launched the WaiPay Project on 14 October, including the announcement of rates. The WaiPay Project is a long term initiative to meet the changes happening in the retail payments sector and ensure Wairarapa is ready and able to take advantage of the opportunities that exist. The project ran two workshops for retailers around the region in Carterton and Martinborough on the 14 October. Both workshops were full, with people interested in what's happening in the world in retail tech and keen to find out how to get on board. The WaiPay Project is holding a third workshop on 7th November from 5.30pm – 7.00pm at Ten O’Clock Cookie Bakery Café in Masterton – click here to find out more and register. https://www.growwairarapa.nz/copy-of-waipay-launch-event

The Tourism Action Group engaged with the team developing the economic plan for the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, to help unlock the pathway to obtain international certification. The Dark Sky Team held two focus groups on Friday 18 October to capture ideas and explore opportunities.

The Tourism Action Group is also working alongside the Te Rua o Mahara team out at Lake Ferry who are pursuing an ambitious set of initiatives to bring their whānau back to a thriving community and develop tourist, digital and cultural products. An initial hui on 16th October in Martinborough, covered project planning, determined some of the deliverables and identified local and national support help achieve a vision where Whānau are connected, inspired and empowered to share opportunities to thrive and lead in Te Ao.

Members of WEDS met members of the Greater Wellington team for a combined discussion about how to work collectively to take advantage of the opportunities outlined in Greater Wellington’s Forest Framework for the Wellington Region, to help the community make well considered decisions around the planting of trees and to support applications. Further work will be required to identify which initiatives will yield the most gains for Wairarapa and best complement the national focus.