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The Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) is proud to announce the launch of Te Aho Tāmaka, a regional growth initiative for Manawatū.

Te Aho Tāmaka acknowledges and celebrates Manawatū’s most illustrious leaders across all fields – academia, business, arts, sport, culture, technology, theology and more.

Through highlighting the talent that comes from our region and by sharing their experiences, journeys and stories, Te Aho Tāmaka celebrates the success of these leaders and aims to enhance their engagement and connection with the region.

The initiative is about bringing national and international attention to Manawatū, creating curiosity, and drawing a richer picture of our region through the stories of our leaders, among other work that CEDA does. It is also about inspiring future leaders and igniting and growing regional pride.

The leaders’ involvement in Te Aho Tāmaka may be through inspiring others with their stories and experiences, mentoring, internships, or investment in projects or initiatives that are of mutual importance.

“Te Aho Tāmaka is a unique and exciting project for our region and unlike anything that’s been done before in New Zealand,” says CEDA’s CEO Linda Stewart.

The region’s top leaders and achievers have been identified with the help and guidance of a steering group and are being approached for their support and involvement. Those who have already confirmed include;

“The reaction and response we have had from these leaders is fantastic and reinforces the value of an initiative like this. They want to pay tribute to the people, city and region that have helped them get to where they are today and Te Aho Tāmaka offers a platform for them to do this.”

What was initially referred to as an Alumni Project, has developed into Te Aho Tāmaka. This launch marks the beginning of the programme that will continue to grow and evolve as we build a global network of leaders and advocates whose journeys are connected to Palmerston North and Manawatū.

“Te Aho Tāmaka will provide major opportunities for our region. It is about honouring our past, celebrating our present and inspiring our future.

“There are no limits or boundaries to Te Aho Tāmaka and as we connect with our leaders and explore the ways in which they may give back to the region, anything is possible.”

Te Aho Tāmaka will be led by CEDA, but the inclusion of top leaders and achievers will continue to grow and be shaped by local leaders and experts in their fields.

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