Sub-Regional Waikato Economic Action Plan

Details

Waikato Mean Business (WMB) is the Waikato region’s economic development strategy. Its goal is to improve standards of living in the Waikato region, where all people, communities and businesses reach their potential. Launched in 2014, the strategy identifies the economic growth outcomes, targets and strategic priorities for the region for the next 10-15 years. The strategy is governed by an independent business-led WMB Steering Group made up of representatives from Waikato business, Māori and local government. The WMB Steering Group is also the government’s economic growth partner in the Waikato.

The WMB Steering Group is seeking the development of a Sub-regional Waikato Economic Action Plan (SWEAP) to accelerate the achievement of the growth goals in the WMB strategy and which is in line with the government’s regional economic development approach. The sub-region generally comprises the local authority areas of South Waikato District, Waitomo District and Otorohanga District, although the exact boundaries of the area are not precisely defined. Communities in the general area which also have economic development issues and opportunities should also be considered for consideration in the study (for example Mangakino). The project should also show an awareness of, and propose ways to integrate and align with economic development initiatives and opportunities in nearby areas and communities outside of the Waikato region, such as Taumaranui.

The project will involve cataloguing the significant economic opportunities to grow investment, employment and incomes in the sub-region, and to subsequently develop an action plan that will help to realise those opportunities.