| << Return to Index | From the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Jim Anderton |
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11 October 2001 / Issue No 6CONTENTS
Regional Development and the future of our economy
The opportunity we have is to develop an economy with dynamic regions which are regarded by all New Zealanders as integral parts of our national economy. Every region can capitalise on local strengths and advantages to create jobs and build stronger communities.
In ten years time Nelson could have a stronger international arts and creative tourism industry. The West Coast could offer a broader range of nature tourism opportunities. Otago and Manawatu could be promoted around the globe as places of internationally recognised applied education and research facilities. Gisborne and the central North Island with international centres of excellence with their innovative wood processing facilities. Canterbury could be more widely recognised as Australasia's Silicon Valley.
These are just possible glimpses into the future. Each region needs to develop its own specialisations as part of regional plans that are being prepared by the partner regions in Industry New Zealand's Regional Partnerships Programme. Through these plans each region needs to ensure that their key regional strengths have the best possible environment in which to flourish.
If we don't look ahead and actively develop our strengths, they may never properly emerge.
This Labour/Alliance Coalition Government is working to play our part. We will co-operate with regions to ensure there is the necessary infrastructure. Regions need transport, telecommunications, and other links as well as a strong education system that supports regional development. Already we are working on these areas. The Government is supporting South Island Councils to investigate the viability of the Southerner rail service. We have funded studies on transport infrastructure in Tairawhiti and Northland. The Alliance sees a strong network of regional polytechnics as essential.
Regional Development Conference
I urge you to attend and to share your views with other regions and with the Government.
Conference contact details are:
Regional infrastructure (rail, air, roads, broadband)
"In New Zealand today partnership in almost every strategic sector is emerging because of a need for the public sector to re-enter the frame.
"As far as I am aware, no other country in the eighties and nineties deregulated and privatised as far or as fast as New Zealand attempted.
"In banking, electricity, telecommunications and transport, to name a few, the public sector is making a come-back," said Jim Anderton.
Rail - Southerner/Auckland
The Government and local authorities will make a contribution of $240,000 towards the running costs of the service until 10 February next year.
Jim Anderton said the deal would almost certainly not have been possible if the Coalition Government had not created the Ministry of Economic Development.
"The Ministry has worked closely with local authorities and contributed funds because of the regional development and tourism potential of the service."
Jim Anderton acknowledged the co-operation of Tranz Rail in keeping the service open while a deal was arranged, and in agreeing to meet any further shortfall from continuing until February.
The lease and infrastructure assets of the Auckland Rail corridor will be sold by Tranz Rail for a price of $81 million and letters have been exchanged between the Government and Tranz Rail.
Other regions can approach the Government on their passenger rail issues.
Transport networks
Air NZ
Broadband communication
The Labour/Alliance Coalition Government is committed to solving the problem of rural communities being connected to the knowledge economy.
The Government is launching pilot schemes designed to bring broadband services to regional New Zealand.
Broadband is high-speed two-way Internet connection, and regional New Zealand could miss out on it unless some way is found to make supply financially viable.
The Government wants to ensure all kiwi communities can access two-way high-speed Internet services by the end of 2003.
The pilots were announced today by Economic Development Minister Jim Anderton and Communications and Information Technology Minister Paul Swain. They say broadband is crucial for business and for our economic and social development.
The focus of the pilots will be finding ways to make broadband commercially viable.
The Ministry of Economic Development will fund the pilots at a total cost of up to $300,000.
Business Growth Service Grants - recent grants
"Rissington Breedlines shows how primary industry can take hold of new technology to make themselves more competitive. This company is a sheep and cattle breeding business and is using DNA technology to tag their animals and increase productivity.
"Hygiene Designz is launching a new electronic linen hand-towel dispenser with significant export potential. Hygiene Designz is also making a significant contribution towards these costs and the company expects to create 35 jobs over the next three years.
"Many New Zealand businesses are innovative and built around creative ideas, but many lack capacity and capital to expand. Grants like this which are matched dollar for dollar by the company, will make significant returns to our economy," said Jim Anderton.
"Industry New Zealand has experts who can assist companies and assess how best to help them to help New Zealand," said Jim Anderton.
The Business Growth Fund is one of the range of measures promised in the Alliance pre-election policy "Partnership 2000" which outlined practical ways to create jobs and make the New Zealand economy perform better.
Jim Anderton and Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia announced a $100,000 contribution to assist plans for an extra 300 jobs to be created by boosting forest planting on the East Coast.
The Business Growth Grant will go to forest management company, Ngati Porou Whanui Forests Ltd will assist a joint venture with Hansol NZ Ltd to plant an extra 10,000 hectares of Ngati Porou marginal land.
The Business Growth Service was designed to help individual businesses and groups of business which can be sectors, clusters or iwi based groupings," said Jim Anderton.
Taupo and Chatham Islands to get $152,500 for regional development
Regional Development Minister Jim Anderton today welcomed Taupo and the Chatham Islands joining Industry New Zealand's Regional Partnership Programme and receiving $92,500 and $60,000 respectively to develop regional economic development plans.
"I know that in both regions the partnerships will have significant benefit to local people through the Regional Partnerships Programme.
Other regions have sought to join the Regional Partnership Programme and the next announcement from Industry New Zealand on these is expected to be in early November.
Jim Anderton welcomes Enterprise Awards
The ninth round was announced in September and consisted of 35 Awards totalling $308,601.
"Seeing the continuing success of past Enterprise Award companies shows that local business is strong and innovative. With the current uncertain international economic situation we need to celebrate our successes and new business ideas," said Jim Anderton.
Jim Anderton visited De'Amalfi Survival in Auckland who recently won their second award of $20,000, having won their first award in round one. The company makes survival and specialist safety equipment and now has exports to the United States, Russia, Holland, Germany, Australia and Spain.
Economic Development contacts
A Wood Processing Industry Steering Group newsletter will be launched in the next few weeks by Industry New Zealand. If anyone is interested in receiving this contact mike.booker@industrynz.govt.nz
Comments on this e-newsletter are welcome. |
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