Northland has secured up to $2 million to implement its regional development plan.
Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton said the approval was significant as the area had borne the brunt of regional decline.
"The way that Northland mayors, iwi and the people of Northland have approached this plan is a model for all the regions of New Zealand in how to cooperate and develop region-wide thinking."
The plan outlines how the region will be developed in the next 10 years.
Its economy was already improving, partly due to the development of regional strengths, Mr Anderton said.
"Northland's traditionally strong agricultural base has been strengthened by several growth industries that contribute not only to the regional economy, but to the national economy, including floriculture, forestry, aquaculture and maritime industries.
"Northland has a number of competitive advantages, including a favourable climate, a large land area and coastline, and a strong cultural base."
Northlanders have two months to comment on the regional plan.
The regional partnership programme, run by Industry New Zealand, allows up to $100,000 for developing a regional plan and $100,000 to develop regional capabilities.
It also offers third-stage funding of up to $2 million for implementing plans.
Mr Anderton said Northland was the first region to gain stage-three funding.
- NZPA
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