New role to focus on economic development

Expanding economic development is the idea behind a newly-created role at the Ruapehu District Council.

Council chief executive Clive Manley said the new role of business development and partnership manager fitted in with the progression of economic development - one of the key objectives that the new council has for the district.

"This new role focuses directly on two of the council's key goals: to create and retain jobs, and grow incomes," Mr Manley said.

He said feedback on the council 2016-17 annual plan indicated that the majority of Ruapehu residents supported the council's plans to invest in economic development.

"So far the council has focused on co-investment opportunities with the government under the Accelerate25 Manawatu-Whanganui Economic action plan. To date this has unlocked $2 million in government investment to extend the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail from Turoa Ski Field to Ohakune plus $100,000 to help prepare a 'Destination, Marketing and Value Proposition' for the region."

Mr Manley said that while these successes have been achieved with current staff, the council has identified that the district needed someone who can promote Ruapehu to potential investors.

"This newly created position will have a key role in helping the council implement its economic development strategy which includes a focus on being more business friendly," Mr Manley said.

"Any potential investor or business will be able to come into the council and say 'this is what we are planning or would like to achieve' and get assistance to successfully navigate their way through any red tape or other consent requirements."