Central Hawke’s Bay’s Economic Development Action Plan passes first stage of approval

Plans to boost economic prosperity and development in Central Hawke’s Bay (CHB) passed the first stage of approval today at Central Hawke’s Bay District Council’s (CHBDC) Community Development Committee.
 
The Committee passed a recommendation to Council to approve Central Hawke’s Bay’s first ever Economic Development Action Plan which sets the direction for strengthening economic opportunities for the people of Central Hawke’s Bay for the next three to five years.
 
The Action Plan outlines 52 targeted actions across seven areas of focus including: Water; Transportation; District growth and development; Land use diversification; Business development and attraction; Tourism and; Skills.
 
To inform the development of the Plan, CHBDC received $250,000 through the Provincial Growth Fund to undertake an assessment of the district’s economic advantages, high productivity assets and attributes. Findings highlighted features including quality agricultural land, natural resources, temperate climate, central location, and an excellent transport network, including the Napier Port.   
 
The results of this assessment will also feed into the work of the Matariki Hawke’s Bay Regional Development Strategy and Action Plan, and inform strategies which aim to support existing businesses to thrive, attract new businesses to the district, and look at new export and collaboration opportunities.
 
Partnerships are recognised as being vitally important for delivering on this Action Plan, as most of the actions will be delivered in partnership with the community, iwi, hapū and marae, local businesses and organisations, Central Government and other councils.
 
Monique Davidson, Chief Executive of CHBDC says, “Central Hawke’s Bay is in a period of positive transformation, with strong economic growth, population growth and now a clear vision to deliver on its future prosperity. 
 
“Our assessment of economic opportunities highlighted key areas of focus which will foster smart growth, attract and enable business success, and promote future prosperity in Central Hawke’s Bay; our Action Plan maps out how we now set about delivering in these focus areas.
 
“It’s an exciting time to be living and working in our district and a privilege to be here for this part of our journey.”
 
The Action Plan will go to full Council for formal adoption on Thursday, 29 August. 
 
Visit www.chbdc.govt.nz/meetings to read the committee papers which include the full action plan and report.

16 August 2019

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