Recently, we presented our Quarter 4 (April to June 2026) report to the Wairarapa councils, marking the completion of the 2025/26 WEDS Work Programme. The quarter highlights how many initiatives have transitioned from planning into delivery, helping build the partnerships, capability, and foundations needed to support long-term economic resilience and prosperity across Wairarapa.

During the year, WEDS has continued bringing together industry, education, community organisations, councils and government agencies to deliver work that supports our three priority areas: Food & Fibre (primary sector), Skills & Workforce Development, and Water Resilience. Quarter 4 demonstrates increasing momentum, with several initiatives now moving into implementation and early impact.

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Food & Fibre (Primary Sector)

A significant milestone this quarter was the completion of the Discovery Phase of the Wairarapa Capability Boost pilot. Nine businesses representing more than 7,200 hectares across sheep and beef, dairy, horticulture and viticulture operations participated in one-on-one capability assessments. The pilot identified common opportunities and challenges across leadership, workforce planning, financial management, succession planning, and strategic decision-making. The resulting Capability Insights Overview will help guide future capability investment and programme design while supporting businesses to turn growth ambitions into practical action.

The Future Options workstream has also moved from identifying opportunities into implementation. Kiwifruit feasibility work is now underway, procurement for the strong wool workstream is progressing, and early scoping has begun for work supporting the olive sector and regional grains and seeds opportunities.

Another important milestone was the establishment of Wairarapa Harvest Hub Limited, providing the commercial entity to lead development of the Lower North Island Seed Cleaning and Storage Facility and support growth of the regional grains and seeds industry.

The Wairarapa Shared Narrative Project also entered delivery mode, with a research and engagement partner appointed to begin gathering insights from across the region to help shape a shared story about Wairarapa's distinctiveness, values and opportunities.

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Skills & Workforce Development

Skills for Work has now moved firmly into delivery, connecting more young people with local industries and career pathways.

During the quarter, 85 students from five secondary schools participated in the Quick Fire Connections Health Industry Event, while workplace visits gave students direct exposure to careers with New Zealand Police. Development of the Wairarapa Work Ready Passport also continued through youth engagement and collaboration with schools and community partners. Together, these initiatives are helping young people better understand local opportunities while strengthening connections between education and industry.

In the health sector, Tū Hauoranga Trust continued delivery of the Attract, Connect, Stay initiative, with a particular focus on workforce retention and community connection. Key achievements included the launch of the new Tū Hauoranga website and Tūhono Directory, supporting stronger links between healthcare professionals, services and the wider community.

Business capability development also continued through Business Wairarapa's WaiHost programme, while Waitech Trust progressed the Digital Fluency initiative and establishment of a community laptop pool to improve access to digital technology and skills across the region.

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Water Resilience

The A Case for Action report continues to provide an important evidence base for discussions about water resilience and future investment opportunities in Wairarapa. The report highlights the potential for improved water resilience to support up to $1.5 billion in additional regional economic activity and approximately 3,800 jobs by 2050, helping inform regional advocacy and long-term planning discussions.

Evaluation of the Water Summer Series is also beginning to demonstrate impacts beyond event attendance. Feedback indicates participants are applying new water management practices on farm and feel more confident discussing water resilience challenges and opportunities with others, helping strengthen knowledge-sharing and capability across the sector.

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Looking Ahead

While this report marks the conclusion of the 2025/26 Work Programme, much of the work is now entering an exciting new phase.

Priorities for the coming months include:

• Progressing the next phase of the Capability Boost programme
• Moving into delivering the kiwifruit and strong wool Future Options workstreams
• Continuing development of the Wairarapa Work Ready Passport
• Supporting delivery of the Wairarapa Whanaungatanga Careers Expo
• Advancing the Strategic Investment Portfolio project
• Continuing to champion water resilience as a key regional economic priority

An Annual Impact Report will be released in the coming weeks, bringing together the achievements, outcomes and lessons from across the year and highlighting how WEDS investment is contributing to long-term economic development outcomes for Wairarapa.

The full Q4 report submitted to councils can be viewed here.