Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki has been announced as a finalist in three categories at the 2025 Economic Development New Zealand (EDNZ) Awards, recognising excellence, innovation, and leadership in regional development. 

The EDNZ Awards celebrate the best examples of economic development practice across Aotearoa, acknowledging initiatives that deliver meaningful impact and long-term benefits for communities, industries, and the environment. 

Venture Taranaki has been nominated for three of its flagship initiatives:  

• Tapuae Roa 2025/26 Action Plan – Integrated Strategy 

• Branching Out Phase Two – Primary Research 

• Branching Out GIS Land Diversification Tool – Innovative Use of Technology 

Kelvin Wright, CE, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki says that being named a finalist reflects the calibre of work being delivered by the region’s development agency.  

“This is a fantastic recognition of the collaborative, high-quality mahi happening across Venture Taranaki. These projects highlight how strategic planning and innovative approaches to economic development can shape a prosperous future for our people and place.  

“We are extremely proud to be recognised as an exemplar of smart and strategic economic development in action.” 

The award winners will be announced at the 2025 EDNZ Award Gala on 12 November.  

About the projects: 

Tapuae Roa 2025/26 Action Plan – Integrated Strategy Category 
Tapuae Roa, the Taranaki Regional Development Strategy, (first created in 2017) was refreshed in 2024 to reflect an evolving economy and proactively prepare for the region’s next chapter. Led by Venture Taranaki, the 2025/26 Action Plan exemplifies integrated strategic planning for regional transformation. Developed collectively by local government, industry, community, and supported by iwi, it weaves together economic, social, cultural, and environmental priorities into one cohesive framework of eight interconnected ‘Futures’ and ‘Foundations’. By aligning regional leadership and resources around shared goals, the plan creates clear line-of-sight between strategy, delivery, and impact - embedding integration into practice and positioning Taranaki for long-term prosperity and resilience. 

Branching Out Phase Two – Primary Research Category 
Branching Out, is the flagship food and fibre programme from Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, designed to accelerate land-use diversification, expand horticultural production, and build resilience across the region’s food and fibre sector. 
Phase Two delivered one of New Zealand’s most comprehensive regional research programmes, trialling 13 crops across 12 sites and generating robust data on agronomy, yields, markets, and value chains. The project has mobilised more than $1.4 million in additional investment and attracted partnerships with research institutions and industry. Branching Out has set a new benchmark for how regional primary research can directly inform practice, build confidence, and de-risk investment in the transition to more diversified and resilient land use. 

Branching Out GIS Land Diversification Tool – Innovative Use of Technology Category 
The Land Diversification and Outcome Modelling GIS Tool is a digital innovation developed by Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki designed to transform land-use decision making. Using real-world data from VT’s Branching Out diversification programme, it is the first regional platform in New Zealand that integrates soil, climate, infrastructure, workforce planning and profitability information to map where alternative crops could thrive at scale. It aims to empower landowners to model diversification options,  while developing a clear picture of regional appetite and supporting sustainable planning in Taranaki. The tool is now undergoing user testing and is set to launch publicly in 2026.