Setting the scene

A thriving economy is essential for the wellbeing of our community. In striving to build a sustainable and growing economy we recognise that economic wellbeing does not stand alone – to truly thrive our community needs to be well culturally, socially, and environmentally.

This summary includes the issues you’ve helped us identify through the development of the 2021-31 Long Term Plan and Ahu Ake - Waipā Community Spatial Plan, how we propose to tackle them and a feedback form. Did we hear you right? Have we clearly defined how we plan to support the local economy?

We want to hear from you – your perspective is vital in shaping our economy’s future.

How did we get here?

We spoke with mana whenua/iwi, businesses, key stakeholders and community organisations to understand the key economic issues and help us develop this strategy. We also heard from our community as part of the Ahu Ake – Waipā Community Spatial Plan (Ahu Ake) engagement over the past three years.

You told us that an Economic Wellbeing Strategy needs to be one delivered with a ‘whole of community’ approach. We also sought input from industry bodies and associations, support and training organisations, tertiary institutions, local and central government authorities and agencies.

We will continue to grow relationships with these organisations as we deliver the strategy – walking shoulder-to-shoulder, not in front or behind, meeting challenges and making the changes needed for collaboration and agreement.

What we already do

What we have learned from you

From listening and engaging with you while developing Ahu Ake, key themes have emerged which have informed the draft Economic Wellbeing Strategy: