news archive
News Archive - February, 2009
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13 February 2009
Economic Strategy Reflects Aim to be Wealthiest Region
Otago's five mayors have launched a 10 year economic strategy aimed at making Otago the wealthiest region in New Zealand per capita. The strategy was developed by Otago Forward, a grouping of the region's city, district and regional council leaders including Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin, Central Otago District Mayor Malcolm MacPherson, Queenstown Mayor Clive Geddes, Clutha District Mayor Juno Hayes, and Waitaki District Mayor Alex Familton. Mr Geddes, the Otago Forward Chairman said the economic strategy had the 100 per cent support of all the region's elected leaders and had the potential to spur growth of many new and existing businesses. "The key element is the call to look at what assets we have and find ways to hook one area in with another to create new growth" he said. Businesses and ideas that fitted with the strategy could apply for Otago Forward funding to investigate feasibility of projects, and the strategy would help Otago businesses access central government funding. The strategy identifies theme areas which ae believed to provide the best opportunities. The top five are the film sector, entrepreneurs and high growth businesses, co-ordinating tourism development, improving communication and networks, and access to China. Many of these projects have already begun including the expansion of Upstart throughout Otago.