Reports released
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are leading a programme, along with regional stakeholders, to evaluate opportunities for increasing investment, employment and incomes in:
- Tai Tokerau Northland
- Bay of Plenty
- Manawatū-Whanganui
- East Coast (Gisborne and Hawke's Bay).
Tai Tokerau Northland
The Northland Regional Growth Study – Opportunities Report identifies a number of sectors and commercial opportunities that have the potential to sustainably grow incomes, jobs and investment in the region. It was released on 4 February 2015.
Te Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan
Following the launch of the regional growth study, the Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan was developed. It was released on 4 February 2016 by Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy. The plan includes key actions, identifies the next steps, and who will lead that work.
- Find out more about the action plan – Northland Inc website
- Read the ministers' media release – Beehive website
MPI is involved in a number of the actions outlined in the plan. Some initiatives are already underway:
- Northland College Mānuka Planting Initiative
- GROW – Growing Regional Opportunities through Work
- Māori Agribusiness – Te Hiku Farms and Mid-North multiple Māori land blocks
- Te Tai Tokerau Māori Forestry Collective
Bay of Plenty
The Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Growth Study – Opportunities Report (released in May 2015) identifies economic opportunities that have the most potential to grow incomes, employment and investment in the region.
The Bay of Plenty Regional Economic Action Plan
Following the opportunities report, the Bay of Plenty Regional Economic Action Plan was developed. It was released on 29 October 2015. The plan includes key actions, identifies the next steps, and who will lead that work.
Next Steps: Implementation of action plan
MBIE and MPI will continue talking with regional representatives about leadership for implementing the plan and the role for central Government in achieving the actions.
The plan will continue to be led by the region through the Bay of Connections Governance Group and a management group, which will maintain links across the sectors and region to oversee the implementation process.
The action plan will evolve as detailed business plans are developed and the resources required are refined.
Manawatū-Whanganui
The Manawatū-Whanganui Growth Study – Opportunities Report (released in July 2015) identifies economic opportunities that have the most potential to grow incomes, employment and investment in the region.
The Accelerate25 – Manawatū-Whanganui Economic Action Plan was launched on 12 August 2016. MPI will work in partnership with the region to deliver initiatives in the plan to lift productivity and profitability of the primary sector in this resource-rich region.
East Coast (Gisborne and Hawke's Bay)
The East Coast Economic Potential Study (released in April 2014) identifies economic development issues and opportunities for the East Coast study area – covering Gisborne, Wairoa, Napier and Hastings. The study focuses on transport and skills issues in the region.
Matariki – Hawke's Bay Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan
Following the release of the economic potential study, Matariki – Hawke's Bay Economic Strategy and Action Plan was launched on 27 July 2016.
Primary industries are the backbone of the Hawke's Bay economy. MPI is working with the region to deliver several actions from the plan, which will help primary industries continue to grow in Hawke's Bay.
Purpose and scope of the studies
Each study was supported by a group made up of representatives from industry, iwi/Māori, and local government who collectively covered areas of activity important to each region. The studies were further informed by a comprehensive series of interviews and workshops with participants from across each region.
The studies identify and prioritise the commercial opportunities in each region that have the most potential to sustainably grow incomes and jobs.
Growth opportunities are then prioritised using a range of criteria such as practicality, viability, potential impact on incomes and employment, market/export potential, and existing local/regional investment.
The prioritised opportunities, along with any identified barriers and actions required to address them, are compiled in each report.
Find out more on the MBIE website
Next steps
The government will be working in partnership with the regions to develop Regional Economic Action Plans that focus on the opportunities and possible actions identified in the studies.
Who to contact
If you have questions about the regional growth studies, email info@mpi.govt.nz .