Quarter 1 of the 2025/26 financial year has focused on building momentum across all three priority areas of the Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy (WEDS): Food & Fibre (Primary Sector), Skills & Workforce Development, and Water Resilience.

In Food & Fibre, the Future Options project has been commissioned to explore practical pathways for producers to diversify, maximise land use, and build more resilient farming systems. Alongside this, the Capability Boost Series is taking shape, with early engagement underway with our local industry body groups to ensure strong alignment with national industry initiatives.

In Skills & Workforce Development, we partnered with REAP House to deliver the first Industry Big Day Out in August, connecting 50 students from five Wairarapa schools with 10 local businesses. The event strengthened real-world connections between young people and local pathways, with a second event planned for 2026. The Attract, Connect, Stay initiative - being led by Tū Hauoranga Trust - has also progressed with the appointment of a Strategic Connector, focused on supporting local workforce attraction and retention across the region with a focus, initially, on the healthcare sector.

A significant regional milestone was reached with the completion of the Waingawa Process Water Project, co-funded by WEDS and Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. The September opening ceremony marked not just the end of construction, but an important step forward in strengthening water security and enabling future industrial growth in Wairarapa. The PMO are also working with the Wairarapa Water Resilience Strategy Programme Director to translate the "A Case for Action" report, funded by WEDS, into an accessible public-facing document.

With a refreshed WEDS website now live and continued collaboration across councils and industry partners, the Work Programme remains focused on practical delivery and long-term regional impact.