The Waikato region is positioning itself for a major new phase of economic growth, with a draft Regional Economic Development Strategy gaining endorsement from the Waikato Regional Council’s Regional Growth and Resilience Committee.
The strategy focuses on building from the region’s existing strengths, including its leading share of freight movements, bioeconomy activity, electricity generation capacity and Māori asset ownership.
Waikato is also ranked among the country’s top regions for food manufacturing and urban growth, with council leaders saying these combined advantages place the region in a strong position to boost jobs, productivity and incomes.
Committee Chair Keith Holmes says the strategy is designed to capitalise on Waikato’s established industries, innovation and people to strengthen both the regional and national economy.
The council says its role is to help create the right conditions for economic development through planning, partnerships and coordination between iwi, local authorities, industry and government agencies.
The draft strategy is being developed with input from stakeholders across the region and is expected to be finalised by the end of June. Council says it will remain a living document, allowing short-term initiatives and partnerships to evolve over time.
The University of Waikato and the Ministry for Primary Industries also presented to the committee, highlighting opportunities for the region to take advantage of emerging technologies and new approaches to economic development.
University of Waikato Vice Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley and Fundraising Director Dr Nicole Bassett outlined progress on plans for the proposed New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine.
The school would establish community clinical learning centres and student accommodation in regional centres including Tokoroa, Te Kūiti, Thames and Taupō. Medical students would train and work in local GP clinics and hospitals, helping strengthen regional health services and encouraging graduates to remain in those communities long-term.
The committee also heard about advances in biomass energy, low-input agricultural systems and water generation technologies that could align with Waikato’s strengths in food production, energy and the bioeconomy.
Regional leaders say the strategy will help give Waikato a united voice and clearer priorities for future economic investment and growth.
Targeted consultation with stakeholders across the Waikato region is now expected to begin as work continues on refining the strategy.
