7. Regional Economic Development—Manawatū-Whanganui Economic Action Plan and Other InitiativesIAN McKELVIE (National—Rangitīkei) to the Minister for Economic DevelopmentRegional Economic Development—Manawatū-Whanganui Economic Action Plan and Other Initiatives7. IAN McKELVIE (National—Rangitīkei) to the Minister for Economic Development: What recent announcements has the Government made about economic development in the Manawatū-Whanganui region?Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister for Economic Development): Last week alongside the Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy and Māori development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell I launched a detailed action plan developed with regional leaders to boost the Manawatū-Whanganui regional economy. Part of the Government's regional growth programme the plan will build on the region's existing strengths in primary production and food innovation while taking advantage of opportunities in fields such as tourism aged care and business process outsourcing. This plan was developed locally actually by the local people as a partnership between local government business iwi and central government. It contains a set of concrete actions in these areas underpinned by strategies to encourage businesses to grow improved transport digital connectivity and skills training. The Opposition is welcome to bag it.Ian McKelvie: How will the action plan contribute to the growth of the Manawatū and Whanganui?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: One of the major initiatives identified in the action plan is the productivity of the primary sector. The region of course has the largest number of sheep and beef cattle of any region in New Zealand and excellent soils. So there is great potential to lift productivity and on-farm profitability. The Ministry for Primary Industries is leading a programme to share knowledge and information amongst farmers to lift productivity and fund a range of other initiatives. Thirty-nine million dollars will also be invested in building New Zealand's largest agrifood research centre in the FoodHQ precinct on the Massey University campus. A joint venture between the university and AgResearch research conducted at the centre will span the agricultural sector from farm to consumer with a focus on dairy and red meat research.Ian McKelvie: What other investment is the Government making in the region as part of the economic action plan?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: On Friday I announced the Government will invest half a million dollars in partnership with the Whanganui District Council to develop a comprehensive plan to revitalise the Whanganui Port precinct. This is a blueprint for a new marine services centre an expansion of the boat building industry and visitor services and a recreational area. I was also pleased to announce with the Minister of Transport Simon Bridges the next stage in the ring road for Palmerston North. Palmerston North of course is a major freight and logistics hub for the lower North Island and it is crucial it is able to move around efficiently and safely. Finally I visited Ōhākune in recognition of the Prime Minister's announcement on the same day of an extension to the Mountains to Sea cycle trail from Tūroa to Ōhākune. It is an excellent addition to the New Zealand cycle trail and again was warmly welcomed by the people of Ōhākune whom I have assumed the Opposition has no interest in seeking the support of.