Prime Minister John Key's announcement at the National Party convention last weekend that they would be encouraging immigrants to move to the regions is welcome.
However, as a region we need even more. The immigration scheme is a start - we want skilled people here and we want people who are willing to invest and start businesses that employ locals. Any scheme encouraging them do so is good.
But, we also need the government and our local councils - amalgamated or not - to make it attractive for New Zealanders to move from Auckland to Hawke's Bay and bring their skills and capital here.
There are great examples of business people here who run their national business from Hawke's Bay. Ray McKimm of Big Save Furniture comes to mind. If a customer buys a couch in Auckland Central and wants it delivered to a North Shore address, their call comes through Big Save's call centre in Ahuriri. That means more local jobs.
Another one is Michael Whittaker of Te Mata Mushrooms, based in Havelock North. Mr Whittaker is committed to the region he grew up in. Who would blame him if he moved Te Mata Mushrooms, which are loved around the country, to Auckland to be closer to his main market. He would save a shed-load of money on transportation costs, but he believes in this region and loves the lifestyle, so he stays here.
