Greater Wellington is the promotional name of the Wellington Regional Council
News release

26 February 2004

Innovation contributing to region’s creativity

Innovative ideas are becoming commercial reality and contributing to the development of the Wellington region as a creative economy, according to the latest edition of Regional Outlook, based on independent research and published six-monthly by Greater Wellington Regional Council.

New initiatives, such as Wellington city’s Fashion HQ incubator; Trilogy, a natural skin care company in Upper Hutt; and Porirua sign company Lifelights, are potential export earners for the region, with some companies already attracting overseas interest. Trilogy Botanical Skin Care was established 12 months ago. Its range of rosehip oil-based products now sells in more than 600 stores in New Zealand and Australia, and goes on sale in the UK next month. Lifelights has developed a new award-winning ‘exit’ sign that is poised for international marketing.

Other creative companies – in fields as diverse as IT, health, and the visual arts – are also appearing in the region.

“Greater Wellington supports the region’s creative drive by providing a framework within which people and businesses can prosper, including an attractive natural environment and a comprehensive public transport network,” says regional council chairperson Margaret Shields.

“I’m impressed and excited by the talent, skills and imagination coming through in a growing number of innovative companies emerging in the region.”

Economic growth in the Wellington region has improved over the past 12 months following a sluggish 2002-2003 performance. Employment growth is running ahead of the national trend, and latest indicators suggest solid growth, particularly in government, health and education.

The region’s real estate market has performed in line with the rest of the country, implying that headlines of businesses closing and people moving away from Wellington have had no direct impact on house prices.

The region continues to shift its economic base from manufacturing and finance to creative industries, such as film, tourism and innovative small companies.

Regional Outlook is prepared by Infometrics Ltd for Greater Wellington, with regional articles contributed by local economic development agencies. Regional Outlook is available from the offices of Greater Wellington in Wakefield Street, Wellington, the economic development agencies of local councils, and on the GW website at www.gw.govt.nz/economy

ENDS

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