2 November 2005

Far North Economic Summit To Put Spotlight On Growth And Social Improvement

Prime Minister Rt Hon Helen Clark, Minister of Maori Affairs Hon Parakura Horomia and world record rower Rob Hamill will give keynote presentations to set the scene for a one-day Economic Summit at Omapere on 11 November 2005.

The economic summit arranged by the Far North District Council follows an inaugural meeting held six years ago to begin the process of generating strategies and ideas to sustain economic growth and social improvements throughout the district, Mayor Yvonne Sharp said today.

"The Far North is blessed with abundant natural and human resources and the prospects for sustained economic growth over the medium term are good.

" We now need to build on the platform of outstanding work started six years ago with a new and concentrated strategic approach. This will ensure an economic environment is created in which the full potential of the district can be realised to the benefit of everyone who calls the Far North home," she said.

"There is a commitment by all parties to make economic growth a reality. The importance of the summit is reflected in the support the project is being given by these most senior Government leaders," Mayor Sharp said.

"The key focus will be to share ideas and work in partnership with business sector and community leaders, to encourage a range of economic development initiatives, and to look at the role local government may be able to play to facilitate the successful economic development of the district.

"The economic summit will bring together a range of individuals, stakeholders and agencies that have a vital role in enhancing the social and economic development of the Far North. They include chief executives of key businesses, iwi representatives, business associations, government agencies and many others

"The Council established a new development sub-committee earlier this year. This summit will play a critical role in helping the sub-committee to develop a strategy to guide the Far North's economic and social development over the next decade," Mayor Sharp said.

As part of the scene-setting for the summit, the Council will distribute two commissioned economic and social assessments of the Far North. These reports, conducted by BERL, give a detailed picture of the economic and social characteristics of the district, and provide a good starting point for discussions.

The Far North Economic Summit will be held at the Copthorne Hotel at Omapere on the Hokianga Harbour on Friday, 11 November, starting at 10am.

Keynote addresses will be followed by an afternoon of facilitated workshops, concluding at 5pm.

ENDS

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