The Launch of EBOP’s 2024 Regional Economic Development Strategy

David Cunliffe presents EBOP’s Economic Development Framework to The Hon Shane Jones

“These collaborative regional strategies are at the heart of what we need for prioritising further regional development investments. I hope to see more projects like these being funded through the new Regional Infrastructure Fund, which I launched on 1 July.” ~ The Hon Shane Jones

Following many months of detailed planning, preparation, and extensive consultations with local iwi, businesses, and the workforce development sector, the Eastern Bay of Plenty Councils, spearheaded by Toi EDA and Polis Consulting, have launched their updated EBOP’s 2024 Economic Development Strategy Refresh.

The summarised strategy provided a framework which was presented to The Hon Shane Jones, who holds several ministerial portfolios, including Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Resources, Associate Minister of Finance, and Associate Minister for Energy. Accompanied by Christina Diamond and Carol Ngawati from Kanoa-Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, the presentation was also attended by East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick.

Unlocking Opportunities

With the recent opening of applications for the $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF), the mayors from Kawerau, Whakatane, and Opotiki, along with their chief executives, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair and Programme Manager, joined forces with the support of representatives from Te Runanga o Ngati Awa, Te Whanau a Apanui, and Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau to present a summary of The Eastern Bay of Plenty Economic Development Strategy Refresh 2024. Their collective goal was twofold: to deliver a clear and shared Economic Development plan for the Eastern Bay of Plenty and to seek guidance from Minister Jones regarding the RIF application due in September 2024.