Kāpiti Coast District Council has welcomed a unified Regional Economic Development Plan (REDP) that was launched on Monday 29 August 2022.

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor K Gurunathan says that the REDP represents more than 12 months of conversations and mahi across the region, which has included the involvement of 10 councils, iwi, business groups, Te Matarau a Māui (Māori Economic Development group), sector groups, place-based groups, and many others.

“Working together has enabled us to align a strategic direction that will help grow the region’s economy and maximise our potential,” says Mayor Gurunathan.

“The REDP strategic objectives focus on building resilience in our workforce and infrastructure, supporting a transition to a low carbon economy, enhancing our cultural vibrancy, improving the quality of life for our residents, and building on local opportunities and our competitive advantages to help us shape a future-focused, creative, sustainable, and thriving region that we can all be proud of.

“In addition to regional-wide initiatives such as inclusive employment, social procurement, a Māori digital hub, Paskifika business development, and a sustainable visitor economy, district-specific programmes for Kāpiti include support for an overarching food and beverage programme and a skills and education hub.

Chair of the Kāpiti Coast Economic Development Kotahitanga Board Neil MacKay says the REDP at its core reflects one of Kāpiti’s key economic development strategy pillars.

“Kotahitanga is about strengthening partnerships and leadership. Improved co-ordination, access to networks, and connections will not only enhance our region’s but our district’s economic wellbeing through this collaborative effort,” says Mr MacKay

“The locally identified projects in the REDP are already in development as we progress the implementation of the Kāpiti Coast 2020-23 Economic Development Strategy. The REDP provides wider regional support and a tool to further encourage central government engagement and backing of these important projects.”

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