Taranaki, King Country and Whanganui Regional Plan 2010 - 2012
This plan outlines the priorities for our region and what we are doing to address them. Our focus is on helping individuals and families in our communities achieve better outcomes.
The priorities for 2010 - 2012 are:
- more people get into work and stay in work
- more children are safe
- more young people stay on track
- reduced reoffending by young people
- improved quality of life for older people
- communities are better able to support themselves.
This plan highlights both national and regional initiatives that aim to improve the lives of the people in our region and across New Zealand.
Setting the scene
The Taranaki, King Country and Whanganui region covers a large area from Otorohanga in the north, Ruapehu in the east and Rangitikei in the south. Mountains, rivers and coastal areas dominate our beautiful surroundings. The region has three national parks - Whanganui, Tongariro and Egmont - with spectacular scenery and winter recreational destinations.
Our population
The region is home to 194,000 people and has an even urban/rural split, with just over half of our people living in the cities of Whanganui and New Plymouth. Māori are represented by 18 hapū and iwi in the region.
The workforce participation in the region is similar to the national average. At the end of June 2011, there were 16,253 working age people aged 18 - 64 years receiving a main benefit including 2,505 people receiving an unemployment-related benefit.
Māori represent 40.8 per cent of all working age clients, just over 45 per cent of our jobseeker clients in the Taranaki, King Country and Whanganui Region. Significantly higher proportions of Māori jobseekers reside in smaller areas, such as Te Kuiti, Taumarunui, Taihape, Waitara and Hawera.
Our economy
The region's economy is driven by agriculture, dairy/meat processing, forestry, manufacturing, energy production and tourism based on adventure and cultural experiences, which has grown in recent years.
The region is also the acknowledged centre of New Zealand's oil and gas exploration. There are currently 12 meat processing plants in the region employing about 3,400 staff at peak season levels and contributing $1.3 billion to the regional economy.
Our events
The region hosts a number of significant events including the World of Music and Dance (WOMAD) and the Taranaki Rhododendron and Garden Festival.
WOMAD is synonymous with Taranaki, attracting thousands of overseas visitors on a biannual basis in March. Held in the iconic Bowl of Brooklands and Pukekura Park, people can experience stunning sounds, exciting visuals and amazing cuisine from around the globe.
Centred on the breathtaking Pukeiti Gardens at the foot of Mount Taranaki and other private garden displays, the Taranaki Rhododendron and Garden Festival is another annual international drawcard to the province.
