Wairoa preparing to plan ahead

by Ryan O’Sullivan

A new community economic development plan for Wairoa is in the first stages of its preparation.

The Wairoa District Council’s strategy, wellbeing and economic development committee convened this week to deliberate on a new plan extending to the year 2028, as the existing Wairoa District Economic Plan dates back to 2017.

With the district in a recovery phase after Cyclone Gabrielle, community services and development support officer Steve Fabish said the recovery plan is due to be revised by the end of the year.

“This would include the key actions of the Community Economic Development Plan, in its work stream for business and to regenerate the economy.”

A priority of the plan would be to have kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) engagement with iwi treaty settlements and key stakeholders.

“Primary areas of emphasis will involve gaining insights into iwi priorities concerning local economic development, commercial endeavours, and training and development sectors.”

Mr Fabish said the cost for this was “chunky”.

“To engage a suitable contractor to undertake the review is $35,960.”

The amount was reflective of how much work was needed to make a meaningful document.

“In five years time, when we review this document, we will have come out of our recovery and will be in a new environment.”

A key reason for having an external contractor was that internal staff may not have the time or experience to develop a plan in a timely manner, due to operational time constraints.

Councillor Roz Thomas asked how long it would take to write a draft.

Mr Fabish said because of the project’s size, it would not be done before Christmas.

“With stakeholder discussions and looking outside to Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, I would say in the new year.”

Councillor Jeremy Harker said if a consultant was to plan it, there needed to be clear and defined ways of executing a strategy.

“The key thing in consultation is to see how the plan will be executed.”

Referring to the work of a consultant, he said the details needed to be really precise.

“Otherwise it’s a waste of (ratepayers’) money that could be better spent.”

Involving key people and organisations was something he did like from the report.

“They will have a large influence and drive in our district’s economic development.”