A "comprehensive" plan to diversify and grow the Hawke's Bay economy, increasing jobs, income and investment in Hawke's Bay was launched in Napier today.
Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy launched Matariki - Hawke's Bay Regional Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 2016 - which they said aimed to make Hawke's Bay the most innovative region in New Zealand, the leading exporter of premium primary produce and a hub for business growth.
The plan has been developed by local and regional authorities, iwi and business leaders with support from central government agencies.
"Economic growth in Hawke's Bay is gathering pace, and the delivery of this action plan will help accelerate that growth and give local workers better access to ongoing employment and higher household incomes," Mr Joyce said.
"The plan focuses on improving pathways to employment in areas like horticulture and construction, as well as encouraging investment and business growth, lifting innovation and productivity, attracting skilled migrants, developing infrastructure and increasing visitor spending."