Wairoa looks on bright side

Fergus Power is confident Wairoa can become a tourism and intellectual "Mecca". Photo / Glenn Taylor

Wairoa will become the Mecca for bright minds, says Wairoa District Council CEO Fergus Power.

The Kiwi lawyer has been in the job for four months after working in local government in North Queensland.

Two memorandums of understanding have been signed with the University of Auckland and the University of Waikato and more will be signed internationally, he says

"We will keep a continuous stream coming through," he said.

"The three most important things for economic development are good management, leadership and imagination.

"We are taking the brightest students from around the world to New Zealand they have to have a B+ average at least to even get in the front door."

Students will be given projects in line with their expertise.

"Very rapidly the universities of New Zealand are recognising that Wairoa is going to become what I like to refer to as the new Mecca for bright minds."

They would bring "a huge amount of vitality and enrichment" to the district.

"I used to run similar programmes in Australia and it is incredibly infectious when you get young, highly-energised people. They haven't yet realised that certain things aren't possible and think everything is possible. On that basis, they go out and solve problems that other people might find to be an obstacle.

"Acting as a mentor or supervisor really forces you to question why you are doing something and whether it can be done smarter."

He said Wairoa had excellent prospects, including the development of the Whakamahia recreational precinct, making it a popular destination.

"Right at the end of what I call the yellow brick road will be free barbecues and toilets. We are developing really strong relationships with the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association and we are going to make it a real destination."

Local fishing guides were part of the plan as was a cycleway to the reserve.

"It is going to change the tone, the way that people think about Wairoa."