Data snapshot
To support and affirm what we have heard from people throughout our region we have created a ‘Data Snapshot’ document comprised of quantitative data and further supplementary qualitative data.
On this page
This is the web version of our Data snapshot. It should be read alongside our Regional Workforce Plan to gain the most comprehensive understanding of the story of our region.
Download the PDF version:
Regional labour market data snapshot
| Unemployment rate | Māori unemployment rate | Employment growth P.A | Average household income | NEET rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manawatū-Whanganui | 3.2% | 6.2% | 2.8% | 104,186 | 10.9% |
| New Zealand | 3.4% | 7% | 3% | 125,217 | 11.7% |
The region
There are 7 distinct districts in Manawatū-Whanganui region, each presenting a unique set of opportunites and challenges.
| Population Growth 2011-2022 |
Workers employed in highly skilled jobs |
NEET rate (2022) | GDP Growth 2011-2022 |
Employment Growth 2021-22 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whanganui | 0.97% | 36.6% | 15% | 1.9% | 2.7% |
| Ruapehu | 0.04% | 37.4% | 19.4% | 1.1% | 3.3% |
| Rangitikei | 0.83% | 38.1% | 10.5% | 2.4% | 2.5% |
| Manawatū | 1.8% | 35.6% | 8.1% | 3.9% | 4.2% |
| Palmerston North City | 0.8% | 39.6% | 8.8% | 2.5% | 2.2% |
| Tararua | 0.64% | 39.9% | 11.8% | 2.63% | 3.2% |
| Horowhenua | 1.62% | 34.3% | 14.5% | 2.8% | 4.4% |
Seasonal elements of horticulture
Insights & Evidence
There has been a distinct move away from the level 2 Horticulture Qualification
| Year | Enrolments |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 3,250 |
| 2014 | 19,50 |
| 2016 | 3,070 |
| 2018 | 1,265 |
| 2020 | 605 |
| 2022 | 655 |
Source: Nga Kete, Tertiary Provision, Enrolment trends over time, Horticulture level 2
provision
There are more class-room based leaners than workplace-based learners across agriculture, horticulture and viticulture courses
| Learners (2022) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Extramural | 286 | 11.3% |
| Intramural | 1582 | 62.3% |
| Workplace | 672 | 26.5% |
Source: Nga Kete, Regional Education Profile
The sector is important to the health of the region’s economy
$218 million -> amount contributed to the regions GDP from the horticulture sector in 2022.
$115,810 -> GDP per Full Time Employee in the Horticulture sector in 2022.
Manawatū-Whanganui provides a signification proportion of New Zealand’s total vegetable production
| Vegetable | Production |
|---|---|
| Broccoli and Cauliflower | 22% |
| Cabbage | 20% |
| Carrots and Parsnips | 15% |
Sources: NZ vegetable production: The growing story. Horticulture New Zealand, 2017;
Infometrics; Sector Profile, Manawatū-Whanganui
The Horticulture workforce is spread across the region
| Region | Employed |
|---|---|
| Whanganui | 283 |
| Manawatū | 336 |
| Palmerston North City | 343 |
| Rangitikei | 292 |
| Tararua | 332 |
| Horowhenua | 290 |
Source: Infometrics - Sector Profile, Manawatū-Whanganui
Workers are entering the horticulture sector without adequate physical preparation. This can lead to work related accidents.
"Compared with the reference category of manufacturing, workers in the agriculture industry have 17.7% higher probability of having an injury claim"
- ACC New Zealand
Freight, logistics & warehousing
Insights & Evidence
Manawatū-Whanganui is the freight, logistics and warehousing hub of the central North Island
“the region is already the key central servicing point for central New Zealand, including the Taranaki, Manawatū-Whanganui, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa and Wellington regions, and is home to one of only three key nodes on the national air freight network, operating 24/7.”
- Te Utanganui, Central Distribution hub.
Current and planned projects in the region that will affect the sector:
- Palmerston North Integrated Transport Initiative (PNITI) -Regional Freight Ring Road
- Te Ahu a Tūranga: Manawatū-Tararua Highway
- North East Industrial Zone (NEIZ)
- Kawakawa Industrial Precinct, Feilding
- Ruapehu Aero Park
- KiwiRail Regional Freight Hub
- Ōtaki to North of Levin (O2NL) Expressway
- Marton Rail Hub
- Horowhenua Business Park
- Whanganui Port
- Manawatū Inland Port
There is opportunity for growth within the sector
Employment in the Freight Logistics and warehousing sector currently sits at: 3,914 in 2023.
It is predicted to grow to: 4,027 by 2028.
Source: Infometrics.
Note: The sector definition of Transport, Postal and Warehousing from the Infometrics website has been used.
Exposure to the sector throughout highschool occurs too late
| Trades Academy enrolment 2023 | |
|---|---|
| Year 11 | 138 |
| Year 12 | 449 |
| Year 13 | 272 |
Source: Ministry of Education
Careers in the sector – Top 3 occupations
Freight:
- Truck driver: 819 | 20.9%
- Courier: 233 | 6.0%
- Delivery driver: 78 | 2.0%
Logistics:
- Storeperson: 128 | 3.5%
- Supply and distribution manager: 65 | 1.7%
- Despatching and receiving officer: 59 | 1.5%
Warehousing:
- Labourer: 171 | 4.4%
- Forklift driver: 31 | 0.8%
- Container filler: 19 | 0.5%
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