Photo by David Jensen
Enabling Wairarapa
for growth
‘Thrive Wairarapa’ An Economic Development Strategy for 2022 - 2030 and beyond.
The Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy (WEDS) is a regionally-owned plan to grow a resilient, future-focused economy - one that reflects the unique character of Wairarapa and supports what makes our region thrive. At its heart is the WEDS Work Programme, where strategy becomes action. Through this programme, local councils, iwi, businesses, and community leaders work together to tackle the region’s biggest challenges and unlock new opportunities. Whether it's securing long-term water resilience, strengthening our food and fibre sector, or building a skilled workforce for the future, WEDS is about creating lasting, locally led impact - for today and for generations to come.
Photo by Jet Productions
the Strategy
Thrive Wairarapa
Developed through wide community, iwi, and industry input, and backed by all three Wairarapa district councils, the WEDS focuses on the opportunities and challenges that matter most to our people, land, and economy. It identifies practical actions, long-term goals, and the areas where we can make the biggest impact together.
Wairarapa’s future
The Work Programme
The Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy Work Programme is where strategy meets action. Guided by our shared regional vision, the Work Programme focuses on the issues that matter most to Wairarapa’s future: Water resilience, food & fibre (primary sector), and skills & workforce development. Coordinated by WellingtonNZ and overseen by a regional steering group, the Work Programme brings councils, iwi, industry, and communities together to deliver targeted, on-the-ground initiatives. It responds directly to the region’s changing needs - from population growth to climate pressures - and is designed to unlock opportunities, strengthen resilience, and create long-term impact across the Wairarapa.
Work Programme priority areas
The three priority areas for targeted investment and delivery.
Photo by Jet Productions
Photo by Jet Productions
The latest news & events
Keep up to speed with our latest news, events and success stories.
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Want to get in touch with the people in the know?
