Ryall plans merger of service agencies

By KEVIN TAYLOR

A National government would merge the many agencies delivering economic and regional development programmes into one ministry.

It would also review the grant schemes, which the party believed were confusing, and clear up duplication between agencies.

Economic and regional development spokesman Tony Ryall said the present structure was too bureaucratic. About 30 different agencies were responsible for fostering business innovation.

"National intends reducing this bureaucracy by amalgamating the various agencies' activities into one department."

The "ministry for innovation, economic and regional development" would be responsible for overall economic development policy and strategy.

"This new ministry will have a stronger focus on producing results rather than producing consultants," Ryall said.

The party would also:

* Review the effectiveness of the grant schemes to improve "flexibility and strategic focus".

* Co-locate government economic development staff with regional agencies.

* Contract with regional economic development agencies to devolve grants and other services, and create "one-stop shops" for business services.

* Work in partnership with councils and business to make regions grow.

Ryall said regional development lacked strategic purpose and direction, and to function effectively it needed to be run by the regions.

He said Industry NZ was too top heavy, with almost all its staff based in Auckland and Wellington.

National would decentralise Industry NZ's funding.

It would also devolve responsibility to the regions where it would be run much closer to the needs of the community.

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