Bobbie has extensive experience in working with SMEs. With an in depth understanding of the importance of strong businesses and strong communities, Bobbie’s core experience is in business development, strategy and governance and works with a wide range of clients; from self-employed to large businesses, from startups to succession planning and eventual exits. Bobbie is passionate about our region and the possibilities that are available, Bobbie is also a member of the Institute of Directors and sits on various boards of both profit and non-profit organisations.

Thoughts on Manawatū’s future opportunities and potential:
While I have lived and worked in many different places both in New Zealand and overseas, I have always returned to Manawatū because I believe in what it has to offer for families and businesses. Manawatū is in a unique position with our significant strengths in not only the primary industries, but also in education, research, distribution, government sector and business. There is huge opportunity in Manawatū; uncertainty is always difficult, but this leaves the door wide open for opportunities and a new way of doing business.

Margy brings over 25 years working in senior finance roles in mainly the corporate sector, both for national and multinational organisation. She has experience in fast moving consumer goods, manufacturing (textile, food, packaging, and plastics), together with importing and distribution and logistics sectors. She brings strong corporate governance experience, coupled with a background in business improvement, market expansion and acquisitions. Having built her whole career solely within the Manawatū and surrounding areas, Margy is a strong advocate for the Manawatū region. Margy is a Chartered Accountant and is also a chartered member of the Institute of Directors.

Thoughts on Manawatū’s future opportunities and potential: Manawatū provides an array of opportunities for a wide range of sectors in both established and emerging industries, and for both domestic and international investors. The region, being centrally located, has a geographical advantage for distributors and is rapidly becoming an important central distribution and logistics hub. Other core sectors of primary industry, research and innovation, education, defence, and health provide established platforms for continued growth. Further development of its infrastructure and expansion of the labour market will be key elements needed for the region to unlock its full potential.

David has spent the last 15 years working as an economist in New Zealand, including as Chief Economist at Auckland Council for 4.5 years, at Westpac and PwC. He has worked with several economic development agencies in his career, and is excited about bringing his economics mindset to bear on achieving the development aspirations of the region. David is particularly passionate about evidence-based decision-making, and how we prioritise what we do in a resource-constrained world to maximise wellbeing for our people.

Prior to his economics career, David spent 7 years working in Asia. He has a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management from Massey University, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Mandarin, and a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Psychology.

Thoughts on Manawatū’s future opportunities and potential: Manawatū is ideally located at the cross-roads of several major population centres, which gives it a natural advantage in logistics and distribution. But with major tertiary institutions located here too, there are huge opportunities to develop world-leading education and employment opportunities in advanced services and technology.

With a career spanning 38 years with the Ministry of Social Development, Katie wants to change her focus to growing and developing our region by utilising her skills, experience and connections to make this happen.

Katie is passionate about our region and in the last 7 years of her career held the position of Regional Commissioner for Social Development where her teams’ supported individuals, families, and the community to be safe strong and independent. She sees employment as a circuit breaker and is an essential element to enhance sustainable social development, social cohesion, and ultimately economic growth. She is experienced in public sector leadership, relationship management and governance and is a member of the Institute of Directors.

Thoughts on Manawatu future opportunities and potential:
Palmerston North has always been home to me, and I consider the region to be a great place to live, work and play! The access we have to recreational facilities is superb, our central location provides so many opportunities particularly with logistics and distribution, while the economy is supported with the diversity of our labour market with a strong base being from agriculture and the substantial public sector employment. The sectors of food and technology hold many new opportunities for the Manawatu, and I am excited about my role with CEDA and continuing to contribute to our region’s growth and success.

Colin is a long-standing Manawatū business owner with more than 40 years' experience across export, manufacturing and product development, working in over 50 international markets. His career has been shaped by a strong focus on innovation, taking ideas from concept through to commercial success and building value along the way.

With deep roots in the region and a global outlook, Colin brings particular strength in logistics, distribution and product commercialisation. He is a strategic thinker and a natural deal-maker, known for identifying opportunities and turning them into practical outcomes.

Colin also has extensive governance experience, including roles as board member of the Manawatū Rugby Union, former Manawatū District Councillor and most recently external chair of Manawatū District Coucil's Water Services Unit. 

Based in Feilding, Colin is passionate about supporting the growth of local businesses and contributing to a strong, future-focused regional economy.

Antony brings a strong mix of national leadership, industry experience and a genuine passion for the food and fibre sector. As Chief Executive of Vegetables New Zealand for more than six years, he has built trusted relationships across government and worked closely with ministers and senior officials to advocate for the industry.

A fourth-generation horticulture leader, Antony also brings hands-on commercial insight through his family's apples, pear and kiwifruit orchard, alongside governance experience in vocational education for the food and fibre sector. He has worked with economic development agencies across multiple regions and brings an internationally informed perspective, with experience in both Australia and United States.

Antony is known for his collaborative, partnership-driven approach and his ability to bring people together and deliver meangingful outcomes. Based in Wellington, he is passionate about supporting regional growth and strengthening connections between industry and government.

Jerry and his whānau have called Palmerston North 'home' for over a decade.

Jerry is a relationship builder, and a strategic thinker who converts strategies into action. Having been with CEDA for nearly 4 years he well ensconced in the sector and is a true champion for the region. Jerry is a firm believer in both the lifestyle in Manawatū and the exceptional business ecosystem and leads CEDA with a focus on delivering meaningful shifts in the economic outcomes for Manawatū. As a former scientist, Jerry has a passion for data and insights, and how this can inform decision-making.

Eat – As New Zealand's leading red meat region it has to be Little Savanna or my favourite the Speights Ale House
Drink – G&T in a tall glass (after work of course!)
Do – When I'm not being an ATM or a taxi driver for two teenage sons, I can be seen walking the dog around the Hokowhitu Lagoon
Try – The Markets around the region – The Feilding Farmers’ Market and the Hokowhitu Village Farmers’ Market are a must-do weekend activity!

Mai i Waitapu ki Rangataua mai i Mīria-te-kakara ki Kukutauaki  

Ko te rohe pōtae o Ngāti Raukawa  

Ko Tararua ngā pae maunga  
Ko Manawatū te awa  
Ko Tainui te waka  
Ko Hoturoa te tangata  

Ko Ngāti Raukawa te au ki te Tonga te iwi  
Ko Ngāti Takihiku me Ngāti Whakatere ōku hapū  
Ko Kererū me Poutu ngā marae  

Tihei Mauriora! 

Born and bred in the Horowhenua, in the mighty town of Shannon, I was educated at Te Aute College before joining the military at 18. Over the next 20 years, I had the privilege of developing my skills, resilience, and life experience through the NZDF, a career I thoroughly enjoyed and one that shaped who I am today. After two decades in uniform, the opportunity to pursue a role with CEDA in Māori relationships was one I couldn’t overlook. Strengthening partnerships between manawhenua, Māori and both councils aligns closely with both who I am and how I work. I look forward to the challenges and growth ahead as we continue to build meaningful connections for our people and the region. 

Eat – Kaimoana 
Drink – Steiny Classic 
Do – Spending time with whānau and friends making memories 
Try – Using Te Reo Māori every day – Tukua te reo kia rere

Jacqui is Palmerston North born and bred. With over 25 years' experience in finance, administeration, HR and office management. Jacqui is responsible for CEDA's financial reporting, legal compliance, contracts, human resources and office management. Jacqui loves that Manawatū is a place where you can have both a successful career and raise a family, with loads of family friendly activities that you can do.

Eat – Amayjen, The Fat Farmer, or Tony's Pizza for dinner
Drink – A wine or gin of choice at Brew Union
Do – Sunday brunch at Cafe Jacko or one of our many amazing cafes
Try – Te Ahu a Turanga shared pathway, walk or cycle, or if you're adventurous Arapuke mountain bike park

Having lived overseas (in Australia, UK and Singapore) for a number of years, Greg returned ‘home’ to Manawatū in 2021 to be closer to family, friends, and the open spaces New Zealand and the Manawatū has to offer. His background is in Procurement, Marketing and Project Management previously having worked for multi nationals such as Diageo and L'Oreal. He is passionate about making a difference in his work and adding value to the Manawatū region. 

Greg has a young family and loves all the great things Manawatū has to offer families, especially if it keeps the kids happy! 

Eat – Many to choose from but, The Herb Farm or The Woolshed for weekend breakie (both good for kids) or an amazing curry at 4 Flames in Feilding. 
Drink – Anywhere that serves a delicious pint of Guinness! 
Do – Cycling along the Manawatū River starting at He Ara Kotahi and finishing with a coffee. 
Try – The many walks in our great outdoors. 

Peter was born and educated in Manawatū. His winter weekends are kept busy supporting local rugby and summers are spent at local swimming holes and beaches. Peter has an interest in technology and how it can make for positive changes in the region. He works closely with Massey University to connect regional businesses with cutting edge technology to help their growth aspirations. The best part of his job is working with local tech start-ups to help turn their new and innovative ideas into commercial reality. 

Eat – Barista Cafe on George St  
Drink – Brew Union 
Do – Canoe the Whanganui River from source to sea 
Try – Arapuke mountain bike park

Originally from Whanganui, Ashley returned to the Manawatū area in 2021 to be closer to family and friends. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the region’s dog-friendly parks and walks, especially along the beautiful Manawatū River.  

Before joining CEDA, Ashley spent five years as a Business Manager at the Bank of New Zealand, where she developed a passion for helping small businesses achieve their goals. She brings this experience, along with a degree in Strategic Management, to her current role, supporting regional development and fostering innovation across food and fibre, and other priority sectors. 

Eat – Dinner out at Little Savanna 
Drink – Anywhere that serves a nice Scotch, neat 
Do – Taking my Golden Retriever, Harlow, for a walk around the Ashhurst Domain 
Try – Experience walking through Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge

Julia moved to Manawatū 35 years ago and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, praising it as a great place to live, bring up a family and establish a business. Julia is a very sociable and enthusiastic person who enjoys working with the business community to support them to grow in the Manawatū region. 

Eat – Sample many of the Manawatū eateries – especially those using fresh local produce 
Drink – Sitting outside Elm Cafe sheltered garden enjoying a coffee   
Do – Biking along the Manawatū River Pathway
Try - Hokowhitu Village Farmers' Market

Jordyn is super happy to call Manawatū home. She thinks we live in a pretty cool place - and is committed to making sure others see it too, telling authentic regional stories and highlighting the people, businesses and projects shaping Manawatū’s future. 

On the weekend you’ll find her wining and dining at Palmy and Feilding’s many great eateries, browsing local markets with coffee in hand, or sharing a platter with friends. 

Eat – Everything at Haru Japanese Restaurant! 
Drink – Love a coconut latte from Munch 
Do – Walk the riverside pathway alongside the Manawatū River 
Try – Alexandre Patisserie’s almond croissant 

As a Manawatū resident for almost 30 years, Katrina has certainly tried and tested the region and found it suits her to a tee. Having lived rurally for most of her life and with a passion for the outdoors, she believes that taking time to get lost is key to uncovering the true beauty of Manawatū. With a background in marketing and content creation she’s determined to get the word out to as many people as possible.  

 Eat – Get a group together for pizza by the slice, frozen margs all around, and some fun and games at Tony’s Pizza! Four-legged friends are welcome too! 
Drink – Nab an outside table at Libré with a girlfriend and a couple spicy margaritas! The drinks are always a delight here! 
Do – Spend a slow morning shopping and brunching on George Street. Bruce McKenzie Booksellers is a particular favourite! 
Try – Stretch your legs and explore the stunning and sensory Tē Apiti – Manawatū Gorge Walk. 

After swapping the hustle of big-city life for the quieter charm of the coast, Tayla moved to Levin with her partner, Peter. With a Bachelor in Design Innovation and Digital Marketing, she’s found the perfect role that blends her creative spark with her strategic mind. Over the past three years, Tayla has grown both creatively and professionally, carving out a space where she gets to do what she loves every day. 

She’s the friend with endless ideas for fun around the region and zero hesitation in dragging everyone along for the ride. 

Eat – Currently obsessed with The Fat Farmer 
Drink – A good gin, always – feel free to shout one!  
Do – Fish and chips at Hīmatangi Beach in the warmer months 
Try – Salud Festival and Sip & Savour 

Ko Hikurangi te Maunga 
Ko Waiapu te Awa 
Ko te whanau a Iritekura, te whanau o Rakairoa te Aitanga a Mate nga Hapu 
Ko Ngati Porou te Iwi 
Ko Carol Hayward ahau 

Carol is based in Whanganui, and has always enjoyed Palmerston North with the many activities and events that are hosted here. Carol has vast experience across the Hairdressing industry, owns her well-established business, and has had many opportunities working amongst various business organisations across the motu. She is very passionate about growth, development, and supporting business, with the people in business. It’s a pleasure, and an honour, to visit people in the place where they spend a lot of time – at the worksite! As a Business Growth Advisor, Carol will identify many aspects of the business including strengths and challenges, market opportunities, organisation structure, training and development requirements, and what makes the business unique. 

Carol spends her free time with her whanau, especially her mokopuna, which involves lots of fun, laughter, and creating memories. 

Eat – Alexandre Patisserie & Chocolaterie 
Drink – Jules Taylor Sauvigon and a delicious Craggy Range Rosē as a summer treat. 
Do – Anything that my mokos want to do – excluding running. 
Try – As many experiences as this region has to offer, especially with the whanau. 

Michelle loves connecting people and ideas to make great things happen. After global adventures, she made Manawatū home 17 years ago. With a knack for project management and building strong relationships, Michelle works with businesses and communities to grow a vibrant visitor economy, making our region a place people love to visit (and locals love to call home!) 

Eat – We have so many options in Manawatū!  Current favourites are the Espetada at Little Savanna, the Haloumi Lunch Bowl at Local Eatery or anything at Country Road High Tea! 

Drink – An Americano from fresh, locally roasted beans at Ebony Coffee, or a classic Margarita at Libre. 

Do – Getting amongst local events or out exploring with my family and/or friends.  There's always plenty to do - we’re really spoilt for choice here!  

Try – From world-class theatre and live shows to exhibitions, markets, and community events, Manawatū is full of experiences to enjoy. Add in incredible eateries, vibrant bars, and stunning natural spots, and there’s always something new to discover. I’d encourage anyone, no matter how long you’ve lived here, to take a weekend to explore like a visitor, you’ll be amazed at what you discover. 

Felicia’s grandparents immigrated from Fiji to New Zealand in 1965. They chose Palmerston North as their initial home base and have remained ever since! Felicia now calls Feilding home, where she has lived for the past four years with her husband, Daniel and their cat Mia. Felicia has spent the last decade working in the marketing sector helping businesses grow through both print and digital marketing activations. Coming to CEDA with a Bachelor of Business in Economics and Communications, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management, she finally feels like she is in a role that is fully aligned with not only her expertise, but also her passions too. She relishes her role in raising the profile of our beautiful Manawatū region in a fun and easy-to-understand way. 

Eat – I’m a big foodie, so it’s hard to pick one! I’d have to go with anything on the menu at Libre, the perfect place for Mexican food lovers! 

Drink – Brew Union has the BEST cocktails – my favs are a Classic Rosebud or a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini. 

Do – Learn a new language. There are a tonne of in-person learning opportunities for a range of languages in our region. I’ve been studying Spanish for three years now. 

Try – A leisurely stroll through Awahuri Forest – Kitchener Park for some fresh air and

Moving to the Manawatū from the South Island, Manawatū has been home for the past 25 years, with the last 16 years in Feilding.  Trina has spent the last 15 years owning an aircraft maintenance business in Feilding where she was the CEO managing Finance & Accounts, Safety Management Systems and HR. Known for her passion for efficiency and business improvement, she thrives on turning challenges into opportunities. When she’s not crunching numbers, you’ll find Trina enjoying life with her two teenage children and Labrador dogs, or on the netball courts, playing or coaching with the same energy she brings to her work.

Eat – The Woolshed Café – dog friendly with great food, for breakfast and lunch.  And then definitely The Strongroom for dinner.

Drink – Fat Farmer always have a good cocktail on offer or do their cocktail making classes – My fav is a Rosebud or Cosmopolitan

Do – Timona Park is great to take the dogs for a walk and swim – also Kitchener Park for something a bit longer

Try – Manfield or Speedway – no matter what time of year there is always some form of motor racing on

After a decade of living in Wellington, Auckland and Melbourne, Rowena returned ‘home’ to Palmerston North in 2020 to raise her young children and be closer to family. She holds a Bachelor of Design (Fashion) and spent many years in the fashion apparel and home-goods industries, managing product design and off-shore manufacturing. More recently, she completed a Diploma in Digital Marketing and enjoys working in the digital space, particularly around website design and SEO strategy.

She is currently a Business Growth Advisor at CEDA and is genuinely passionate about supporting business owners to grow and succeed, for themselves, their families, and the wider community.

In her downtime, she enjoys exploring the local Sunday market in Sanson, café hopping to try new foods, and spending time at the region’s parks with her family.

Eat - Lamb Saagwala & Cheesy Naan from Namaste Bharat

Drink - Cocktails at Little Savannah

Do - Check out He Ara Kotahi, Hei Ara Kōrero, an interactive storytelling experience that shares real stories about the Manawatū region and its people. As you walk the pathway and scan QR codes, you can watch videos, hear stories, and discover local history in a fun and interesting way!

Try - Explore what our wider Manawatū region has to offer, especially now the Te Ahu a Turanga - Manawatū Tararua Highway is open!

Born and bred in Palmerston North, Vanessa has spent most of her life in region, with career experience spanning pharmacy, clothing, finance and, predominantly, the beauty industry. She has owned her own beauty clinic for 18 years and is the co-founder of a local skincare brand. A love of reading and writing also led her to publish a beauty-focused book now stocked in retailers and airports around New Zealand.

As a Business Growth Advisor at CEDA, Vanessa draws on her hands-on experience running multiple businesses to provide practical support to local operators. She is passionate about helping businesses unravel obstacles, communicate their ideas clearly, and grow with confidence.

In her spare time, she enjoys dining at favourite spots like Nero, Haru and Black Pearl, or catching a film at The Silky Otter, preferably with a glass of wine and chicken bao buns.

Eat - Nero Restaurant, you can't beat the fillet steak!

Drink - Little Savanna for an espresso martini or a warm sake at Haru

Do - I love a good movie!  Silky otter has plush seating and delicious bao buns

Try - Te Āpiti Manawatū Gorge track, or one of our many gorgeous rural Airbnb's if you're craving a relaxing getaway that's not too far away.

Originally from rural South Taranaki, Rachel has called Palmerston North home for nearly 10 years, drawn by the region’s central location, lifestyle balance and opportunities. She makes the most of Manawatū’s events, markets and walking tracks, embracing everything the region has to offer.

As Executive Assistant to the CEO (Kaiāwhina Kaiwhakahaere ki te Tumuaki), Rachel brings extensive experience supporting senior leaders across local and central government. With a background in travel, tourism and events, she has a strong passion for regional promotion and is motivated by supporting the people and businesses that help Manawatū thrive.

Eat –  At one of the many delicious eateries on George Street

Drink – Cocktails at Little Savanna – their rosebud is my fav!

Do – Walk around the Rose Gardens at the Esplanade

Try – The honey-based ice cream at Waireka Honey