Katie Brosnahan’s story begins in Manawatū, from a young girl to a respected leader in the community. She spent the majority of her career working for the Ministry of Social Development, most recently as the Regional Commissioner. Katie has seen firsthand how strong support systems, meaningful employment, and thriving local businesses can transform lives and elevate entire communities. 

Reflecting on her 38-year long career, Katie recalls, “It’s a privilege to have contributed to the growth and wellbeing of Manawatū. This community’s commitment to each other and to sustainable progress has always inspired me to do more.” She carries this dedication into her current role on CEDA’s board, with a clear vision for nurturing a resilient, loyal, and thriving workforce in the region. 

“To retain our best and brightest, we must offer them meaningful career opportunities and a sense of purpose within their communities,” Katie explains. “If our young people head away to grow their careers – great, let’s attract them back when their life stage is right and ensure we can maximise the advantage of the national and global experience gained.”  

By establishing partnerships with local businesses, within sectors, and through educational institutions, Katie believes Manawatū can foster a workforce that is both resilient and deeply loyal. 

Creating a workplace culture for stability  

Katie underscores the importance of strong business systems and a positive work culture—essential in any climate but especially crucial during times of economic uncertainty. Cultivating a stable workplace environment offers reassurance to employees and instills confidence in business owners. 

 "Creating stability starts with having strong internal frameworks and a supportive environment where employees feel valued,” she notes. By investing in these systems, businesses can build a workplace that not only attracts top talent but also retains current employees. “This creates a sense of loyalty that goes beyond just a paycheck, and helps the business thrive in the long term with strong talent retention and reduced staff turnover.” 

Katie also recognises that effective leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Over her career, she has learned that different people place value on different things, and to lead effectively, managers must adapt their style to fit individual needs.

At the recent 2024 Manawatū Business Awards, a recipient of the Lifetime Service Award shared how their focus on building a strong workplace culture over 30 years in business, coupled with a commitment to continual evolution and adaptability, had led to remarkable employee loyalty—with only five people leaving the business in its entire history. Katie draws inspiration from such examples, believing that cultivating a supportive and adaptable environment can unlock the full potential of employees while fostering long-term success for businesses.

Retaining employees through opportunities 

Katie is a firm believer that retaining employees in Manawatū requires more than just competitive salaries. To her, loyalty is cultivated through consistent, genuine engagement and a focus on employee development. "People stay where they feel connected, valued, and where they see a future for themselves," she shares. Katie encourages local businesses to create career pathways, mentorship opportunities, and an environment that inspires employees to see Manawatū as their long-term home. 

Manawatū is the place people call home  

For Katie, the goal is to ensure that Manawatū remains a place where people want to live, work and thrive. By fostering a culture that values resilience, loyalty and growth, she believes the region can retain its unique character and strengths. “Our community’s resilience is in its people,” Katie says. “By investing in them, we’re investing in a Manawatū that will remain strong for generations to come.”