New partner for regional development

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

ECONOMIC development strategies for this region could find easier access to national funding and resources from now on.

The Economic Development Agencies of New Zealand (EDANZ) has just formalised a partnership with professional services firm MartinJenkins that will provide EDANZ with access to some of New Zealand’s leading economic development advisers, as well as ongoing secretariat services.

Activate Tairawhiti chief executive Steve Breen says this is “very good news”.

“It should improve our ability to attract resources at a national level to deliver local outcomes identified in our regional economic development workplan.

“The more other people and organisations are working in our interests, particularly at a national level where the scale of possible resourcing available is significantly greater, the better our local community can benefit.”

EDANZ chairman Michael Bassett-Foss said the arrangement was a step forward in the organisation’s re-gearing process and would provide a welcome shot in the arm for regional economic development.

“The new partnership will give EDANZ a sustainable and nimble footing, allowing it to make a more effective contribution to regional economic growth for the benefit of the whole country.

“Stakeholder engagement over the last year showed loud and clear there is need for a more integrated approach at the regional level to move New Zealand forward.

“We will now be able to focus our energies on supporting the rollout of the regional growth studies programme, as well as helping regions that have new strategies to implement them effectively.

“With a stronger analytical base we can improve the way regional economic development efforts are integrated with national growth and investment initiatives.”

MartinJenkins director Nick Davis said the agreement was an exciting one, as it further strengthened his company’s commitment to regional economic development.