The Bay economy accounts for up to 5.7 per cent of New Zealand jobs but the average household income is almost $8000 lower than the national average, a Government report shows.
According to the report, the Bay of Plenty has experienced high employment growth during the past 10 years at 1.6 per cent, but average household income remains at $72,700, compared to $80,600 nationally.
Poor education of 25- to 34-year-olds, challenges to the kiwifruit industry, and high retiree numbers in the region are contributing factors to low incomes in the Bay. People often take a hit to their income when they move to the region.
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