It's been a decade since Tararua hosted the Zone 3 conference for local government representatives from around the North Island, but they were back recently.
Twice a year council mayors and regional council representatives get together to discuss issues affecting them and this year the Hikurangi Subduction zone was one of the hot topics.
"We also talked about three-waters and new issues, for Tararua, which are forestry and roading," Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis said.
Conference members came from as far afield as New Plymouth, Wairoa and included Central Hawke's Bay, Hastings, Napier and south to Horowhenua, as well as Horizons Regional Council.
"The more informed people are the better," Collis said.
"This was a very significant event for us and I talked about Tararua's uniqueness and why we have to be vibrant and prosperous. I also highlighted the different challenges we have across our towns and what celebrating our 30th anniversary this year means for us."
Collis said she emphasised the importance of the new Manawatū-Tararua Highway and how, on completion, it will put Tararua on the map.
Then it was on the bus for everyone to learn more of what we have to offer, with deputy mayor Allan Benbow explaining the Oringi Business Park, its history and its potential.
"As we drove to Woodville we took in the sunflowers planted alongside State Highway 2 by farmer Ben Allomes and how they make people smile," Collis said.
The next stop at Ferry Reserve, on the outskirts of Woodville, was a "magical moment", for the visitors.
"People just said 'wow', they were so impressed with the scenery and the boardwalk experience," Collis said. "They were stunned."
And the Tui HQ experience at Mangatainoka also made a big impression.
Council chief executive Blair King covered all the operational issues Tararua District Council deals with, including Woodville's new impound water supply as part of the conference.
"Zone meetings like this open us all up to what other councils are doing," Collis said. "If certain things are working successfully for other councils, we don't want to replicate, but pick it up and run with it.
"Other local government organisations were very impressed with Tararua's use of drones and they were surprised at the level of detail and the passion with which our drone operators gather information and there's potential for us to share our knowledge."