Northland Growth Studies chart development path

Two economic growth studies launched in Kerikeri last week have the potential to deliver significant positive change for the people of Northland.

The concurrently released Tai Tokerau Northland Regional Growth Study and Tai Tokerau Maori Growth Strategy, ‘He Tangata, He Whenua, He Oranga’, offer an exciting springboard for forward planning throughout the region. Both were welcomed by Northland’s local government leaders attending the launch, including Whangarei Mayor and Northland Mayoral Forum Chair, Sheryl Mai.

“The Tai Tokerau Northland Regional Growth Study was launched by central government ministers Stephen Joyce, Nathan Guy and Te Ururoa Flavell, and identifies a number of sectors and commercial opportunities that could grow incomes, jobs and investment in a sustainable way throughout the Northland region,” Mayor Mai says.

“I see this Study as possibly the most important economic development document ever formulated for Northland, and gives focus for our region going forward.”
The Study recognises there are multiple actions and industries that will transform our Northland economy. It provides an analysis of these industry opportunities, specifies constraints to growth, and identifies sectors where evidence shows Northland has an advantage, including tourism and primary industries.

The Iwi-led, tikanga-based Maori Growth Strategy, ‘He Tangata, He Whenua, He Oranga’, has a more specific focus. Developed by the Tai Tokerau Iwi Chief Executives Consortium, the Strategy identifies ways in which Iwi can contribute to regional growth and aims to ensure they are the impetus behind regional growth, rather than its casualties.
Mayor Mai says the challenge now is to implement the findings of both documents.

“The eyes of Wellington are currently focussed firmly in our direction, and our region’s leaders want to capitalise on that,” Mayor Mai says.

“Now is the time for action, and we will work with ministers and government officials to ensure that happens.”

Mayor Mai has offered ministers the Northland Mayoral Forum’s commitment to steering the local government aspects of the Regional Growth Study and He Tangata, He Whenua, He Oranga, and opportunities presented by them.

“There is no better time than now, and we are up for the challenge,” Mayor Mai says.

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