Waikato Mayoral Forum will focus on "shovel-ready" projects, worth over $10 million, that would be ready to go within six months. Photo / File
Waikato Mayoral Forum will focus on "shovel-ready" projects, worth over $10 million, that would be ready to go within six months. Photo / File
Waikato mayors, council chief executives, Members of Parliament (MPs), iwi leaders and other regional leaders met yesterday via teleconference as part of what will become a weekly meeting.
They discussed the impacts of Covid-19 and how Waikato's politicians and their agencies can work with Central Government to kickstartour economic recovery after the lockdown.
Chair of the Waikato Mayoral Forum, Waikato District Mayor Allan Sanson, said Monday's meeting was about "getting on the same page and comparing notes in terms of how the region is responding to the Covid crisis, being connected to make sure we are aligned and ensuring we have one voice when speaking to Central Government."
Mr Sanson said that work was under way to identify "shovel-ready" projects, worth over $10 million, that would be ready to go within six months and that would contribute to substantial stimulus to the local economy and create jobs.
"After looking after the wellbeing of our people, and fulfilling our crucial civil defence duties, our attention turns to coordinating which major projects we can 'hit go' on to get our economy back on track.
"This is what private sector is looking for too, they want to see our pipeline of projects, so they can get prepared and buy the necessary equipment," he said.
Deputy Mayoral Forum Chair, Hauraki Mayor Toby Adams acknowledged that with the halt on tourism, and the lockdown affecting so many workers and companies, the region will undoubtedly feel pain, however he praised the government's wage subsidy scheme.
"The scheme has been fantastic and it's been fast. It has given people confidence, which is what we need more of right now," he said.
Local Government Minister and Hauraki-Waikato MP Nanaia Mahuta, said that Government had been agile and was looking after people by minimising the economic impact of Covid-19.
"We are providing practical support to those who need it," she said. She said she looked forward to continuing to work closely with Waikato local government leaders and iwi as we get through this crisis.
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The CEO of Te Waka, Michael Bassett-Foss, the region's economic development agency, said they "had paused all non-critical items and were focusing on bringing different agencies together to share learning, which in this ever-changing environment was happening rapidly."
He said that facilitating a coordinated Waikato response was absolutely critical.
The Mayoral Forum discussions, will take place every Monday afternoon during the lockdown period, provide a framework for forming a united and cohesive 'Waikato' approach, which will be crucial in leveraging Central Government support for initiatives on behalf of the region.
Mayoral Forum members work towards having clear priorities that all councils agree on that are also supported by Local MPs, iwi, and other key delivery partners.
