Wanganui has a solid industry base that is helping grow the local economy, according to an economic policy expert.
Peter Crawford, an economic policy adviser with the Palmerston North City Council, gave a presentation to the Wanganui District Council's strategy and finance committee this week.
He had been approached by Horizons Regional Council to prepare a regional economic report, and was then asked by the Wanganui Council to make a presentation focused on the district's data.
Mr Crawford said Wanganui was not doing as badly as might be perceived.
"The outlook is positive - Wanganui has a good industry base that is benefiting the economy," he said.