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Defence Key Part of Manawatu Community
10 March 2009
The Manawatu district showed the military just how much it was valued at a welcome function at the end of January.
More than 1000 Army and Air Force personnel and their families converged on the Convention Centre, and listened as Palmerston North mayor Jono Naylor spoke about how important the military was to the local community, and how individuals played an important role not just in their work but in the community’s sport and culture.
Commanding Officer of 2 LFG, Colonel Tim Keating also spoke, and told those gathered about how the military, and the partners and children of service personnel, were involved in all aspects of the community.
“Our people and their families bring much more in a community sense to Palmerston North and the Manawatu – they bring enthusiasm,” he said.
Wing Commander Tim Walshe of RNZAF Ohakea said defence staff were an integral part of the community, not only because of the economy, but the social interaction they had with the community.
The New Zealand Army and the Royal New Zealand Air Force provide a total of 2750 jobs in the Manawatu at bases in Linton and Ohakea, with a wage bill of $123 million annually.
According to research conducted by Palmerston North City Council economic policy advisor Peter Crawford if the region lost its defence employers it would cost $50.8 million in household incomes, and economic activity would drop $258 million.
This page was last reviewed on 23 March 2009 and is current.