Arataki Manawatū-Whanganui regional direction [PDF, 2.3 MB]
Arataki Manawatū-Whanganui statistics table - infographic alternative [PDF, 117 KB]
The September v1.1 release of Arataki includes updates to reflect the severe weather events of 2023 and make minor corrections.
The central location of Manawatū–Whanganui means its transport networks carry significant volumes of through-traffic, connecting people and freight south to Te Upoko o te Ika a Māui Greater Wellington, east to Te Matau-a-Māui Hawke’s Bay and north to Waikato and beyond.
Network resilience is an issue. Climate change is expected to bring more intense and frequent storms that will impact areas with unstable terrain north of Whanganui. The impacts of sea level rise will also increase for low-lying coastal communities.
Te Papa-i-Oea Palmerston North is emerging as the primary distribution centre for the Lower North Island. The development of a high-tech rail hub in the northeast will allow rail to play a greater role in moving freight.
The population of Manawatū–Whanganui is expected to increase from 238,000 to more than 276,000 by 2048, or 2% of the population of Aotearoa New Zealand. Most of this growth is expected in Te Papa-i-Oea, Aorangi Feilding, and Taitoko Levin.
There is an opportunity to increase walking and cycling rates in Te Papa-i-Oea, Whanganui, Aorangi, and Taitoko, by investing in safe and attractive facilities. Active modes are the best way to reduce vehicle kilometres travelled, along with growing the amount of freight moved by rail and coastal shipping.
Other critical transport challenges facing the region over the next three decades include safety, resilience, and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.
For efficient and effective progress, transport challenges in Manawatū–Whanganui must be tackled in a cohesive way. The directions below identify the most important issues to be resolved over the next 10 years to make progress towards transport outcomes.
These will be updated over time to focus effort on the most critical matters.