ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Maniototo's economic history has revolved around gold recovery and pastoral farming.  Most of the early surveyed pastoral runs were eventually subdivided into smaller units, especially after the Great War (World War 1), when providing land was seen as a way of thanking the soldiers for their participation in the War.   Maniototo farms were developed for sheep and cattle and the cropping done was to provide winter feed for stock. This traditional farming has continued to the present day, with farmers utilising the many scientific agricultural developments New Zealand is famous for to increase the performance of their properties.

However, with the severe downturn experienced in farming in New Zealand, traditional farming is beginning to change.  Recent developments in the area have included the addition of deer to pastoral farms, and dairy units, a type of farming not thought possible until the development of the Maniototo Irrigation Scheme. As well, people with smaller blocks of land are looking at horticulture, particularly cold climate crops, and several properties are currently planted in peonies. A further development has been the introduction of a trial soil and climate monitoring study in the Ida and Manuherikia Valleys. 'GrowOtago' as it is known, is a cooperative venture between the Otago Regional Council and the Hawkdun Landcare Group.  A number of Maniototo farmers are involved in the trial which is being watched with interest by the farming community.

Maniototo has considerable potential for small-scale industry to establish. Land within Ranfurly town boundaries is not expensive, and the Central Otago District Council has a district plan sympathetic to developers.  Housing within Ranfurly town or surrounding townships is inexpensive, and the town has many small businesses (see Business Directory) such as builders, plumbers, engineers, and electricians.  A small sawmill is currently being established near Naseby Forest. The pollution free atmosphere is ideal for the electronic industry or indeed any industry where a pollution free atmosphere is a necessary prerequisite.  The closest main entry port and railhead is Dunedin City, 1 ½  hours drive from Ranfurly.