Labour list MP Kieran McAnulty on the Manawatu Gorge replacement opportunities

Kieran McAnulty with Cameron Delaney, 12, a Huia Range School pupil who writes a Saturday column for the Dannevirke News, and Tararua Mayor Tracey Collis last week. Photo / Christine McKay

Dannevirke has to start preparing now to take advantage of the opening of the replacement route for the Manawatu Gorge, Labour list MP Kieran McAnulty says.

Speaking at a Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce meeting last Thursday night, McAnulty, who lives in the Wairarapa, said at the moment Tararua wasn't benefiting from the growth occurring north and south of our district.

"What we are seeing in this electorate is that the southern end is growing because of the overflow from Wellington and the northern end is benefiting from the overflow from Hawke's Bay.

"Tararua is once again getting overlooked. Dannevirke should be looking to prepare itself for when the route . . . is open. You've got a nice window now to prepare."

Palmerston North MP Iain Lees-Galloway, Labour's Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, ACC and Immigration, told the meeting the Primary Growth Fund was "really exciting".

The fund has $3 billion to be spent over three years.

"I think we can do a much better job of selling, living and working in this region."