The purpose of this report is to describe and review several initiatives that occurred in Taihape and the surrounding rural district over the past three years. There appears to have been a significant improvement in the business and economic situation in this area. Is this a false perception? Have the three initiatives (two Government-funded and one Council-funded) been influential in this economic upturn and, if so, could the knowledge gained be useful for the economic development of other small rural towns? These three initiatives were; A Rangitikei District Council commissioned Business and Economic Development Plan and the subsequent employment of a Business Facilitator. MAF study on “Farm Families and Sustainability in the mid-Rangitikei” that resulted in the formation of the Rangitikei Rural Action Panel that then employed a Rural Facilitator. The Taihape Business Development Project funded by CEG (Community Employment Group).
Taihape – evaluating economic development projects
Download and read the full report here:
Grow. Advance. Lead.
Do the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme.
More Kellogg reports:
2025 From Farm to Fork: Are Microplastics Putting Our Community’s Health at Risk?
Are microplastics entering NZ’s dairy supply? This report by Nicky Halley explores potential risks, public concern, and practical steps for farmers, industry, and policymakers to ...
Read More →
2025 Navigating Sheep and Beef Manager Retention
This report by Richard Cameron identifies key challenges in attracting and retaining skilled farm managers, including low wages, poor work-life balance, and limited ownership pathways. ...
Read More →
2025 Guardians or Executioners – Navigating the Ethics of Deer Control
Phil’s report examines the expanding deer population across Aotearoa New Zealand, its ecological and economic impacts, the limitations of current management, and the ethical tensions ...
Read More →