Our Economy

Carterton’s economy is shaped by its strong community spirit, rural innovation, and growing population. Our district is home to over 10,000 residents and continues to attract new families, entrepreneurs, and businesses who value the lifestyle, location, and opportunity Carterton offers.

We have a dynamic mix of economic activity, with strengths in:

• Food and fibre production – horticulture, viticulture, and agriculture remain key drivers
• Small business and trades – our local firms support jobs, skills, and services across the region
• Construction and infrastructure – supported by ongoing residential growth and investment
• Creative industries and tourism – thriving markets, events, and artisan sectors add vibrancy and value

Carterton’s proximity to Masterton, Wellington, and rail links supports both lifestyle and commerce, while our business zones like the Waingawa Industrial Area provide space for expansion.

The Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy helps ensure that Carterton’s voice is part of wider regional planning, and that our unique strengths are supported through shared investment, training, and infrastructure development.

The Waingawa Process Water project and regional workforce development initiatives are examples of how strategy turns into action, right here in Carterton.

What is The Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy [WEDS]?

The Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy [WEDS] is a regionally owned roadmap adopted by Carterton, Masterton, and South Wairarapa District Councils, in partnership with iwi and business leaders.

Originally launched in 2018 and refreshed in 2022, WEDS supports the region to:

• Work smarter together
• Align our efforts
• Attract funding and investment
• Build prosperity across communities
• A rapidly growing but ageing population
• Gaps in youth employment and workforce readiness
• Increasing stress on water and climate resilience
• Rising costs for households and businesses

WEDS enables the region to act together, unlocking solutions, investments, and partnerships that benefit everyone.

A Regional Effort Since 2018

The original WEDS was developed in 2018 by the three Wairarapa mayors, iwi, business leaders, and Greater Wellington Regional Council. It identified seven key opportunity areas and successfully secured significant investment, including funding through the Provincial Growth Fund.

The Strategy was refreshed to reflect current challenges and opportunities better. This included forming a new partnership agreement with WellingtonNZ to act as Programme Management Office [PMO] and strengthening regional governance.

Find out more at thrivewairarapa.nz.

Governance & Delivery

WEDS is overseen by a regional Forum that includes the three Wairarapa mayors, iwi representatives, and business and education leaders.

Councils have partnered with WellingtonNZ [on behalf of Greater Wellington Regional Council], who act as the Programme Management Office, to realise the Strategy.

WellingtonNZ:

• Leads and coordinates delivery
• Engages with regional stakeholders
• Tracks progress and reports impact
• Supports collaboration and funding alignment

Two team members are based in Wairarapa, supported by the wider WellingtonNZ Regional Economic Development team.

The WEDS work programme

Regional leaders have prioritised high-impact areas for our Strategy. The resulting work programme for 2024 to 2027 focuses on three strategic priorities. These are not the only areas of importance. Tourism, housing, innovation, and the visitor economy all remain vital to the region. The work programme focuses on targeted collaboration to achieve the most immediate and sustained impact.

Carterton’s Role in WEDS

Carterton District Council plays an active role in the WEDS governance group, aligning local priorities with regional outcomes and advocating for our people and economy. Council staff and elected members contribute time, leadership, and funding to ensure the strategy is delivered effectively.

Carterton benefits from WEDS through:

• Support for local businesses to grow and innovate
• Investment in workforce training and youth employment pathways
• Improved infrastructure for future-proofing the economy
• Better access to regional and national funding
• Shared solutions for climate and water challenges

A strong example of this is the Waingawa Process Water Project, a strategic infrastructure initiative supporting industrial growth and primary processing at the Waingawa Business Park, unlocking long-term economic and employment opportunities for the District.

Our Commitment to Thriving Together

WEDS represents what’s possible when Wairarapa works together. It’s a regionally owned, community-driven strategy for economic resilience, opportunity, and growth.

Thrive Wairarapa — because our future depends on all of us.

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