Otago's five mayors today launched a 10-year economic strategy aimed at making Otago the wealthiest per capita region in New Zealand.
Business and civic leaders from throughout Otago were invited to Dunedin for the launch this afternoon of the Otago Regional Economic Development Strategy, which it was hoped would spearhead a quantum leap in economic growth for the province.
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, who is 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 the growth of many new and existing businesses.
‘‘The key element is the call to look at what assets we already 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 the feasibility of projects and the strategy would help Otago businesses access central government funding.
‘‘Businesses seeking funding from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise need to show they fit within their region's economic development strategy,'' Mr Geddes said.
‘‘Otago Forward has provided that strategy.''
The 68-page strategy document outlines the risks facing the Otago economy and proposes an approach focused on building networks.
Otago has had strong economic development during the past decade, but lagged behind the rest of New Zealand in terms of average income and productivity, the strategy said.
It called for a ‘‘pan-Otago view'' of economic development, saying that, ‘‘unless we act together we won't optimise the outcomes''.
‘‘For instance, I would like to know how much Central Otago wine is sold in Dunedin supermarkets and restaurants,'' Mr Geddes said.
The strategy identifies ‘‘theme areas'' which are believed to provide the best opportunities. The top five are the film sector, entrepreneurs and high-growth businesses, co-ordinating tourism product development, improving communication and networks, and access to China. The strategy document urges ‘‘people and organisations'' to ‘‘come forward proposing initiatives and projects to fit these themes''.
This had already begun, Mr Geddes said. Projects being investigated included a Chinese heritage trail, a Queenstown film studio and expanding the Dunedin business incubator.
