Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan has more to come

Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan included the containerisation of Northport.

When the Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan was launched back in 2016 it brought into focus an initial group of projects to drive the transformation of the Tai Tokerau economy. It came off the back of a regional growth study which highlighted a range of opportunities for Northland. These were narrowed down in the development of the plan to coalesce our limited resources around the projects that would make the greatest short to medium term difference, over a 10-year period.

The first iteration of the plan was to get us on the road and included projects already in progress such as containerisation of Northport, the study of economic opportunities from better water use and a new tourism product, the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail. This phase we colloquially called our "pick and go".

Next came the "building momentum" phase, a series of projects and actions set to have a major impact on our economic growth. We were fortunate in the last three years to have significant private and government investment, and many projects were prioritised through the Provincial Growth Fund and those are well under way or complete. Momentum projects included rail upgrades, flood mitigation, the Hawaiiki International Submarine Cable, Kingfish aquaculture, Manea Footprints of Kupe and the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery.

Alongside of these phases, we've had our "game-changers'', fundamental to unlocking our potential. We're set to benefit from: - Water storage and distribution - through the Tai Tokerau Water Trust and Joint Te Hiku Work Programme; and Skills and Capability – numerous skills pathways initiatives and an interim (three-year) workforce plan almost complete.

Jude Thompson is Portfolio Manager, Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan at Northland Inc.

Yet still frustrations still exist with:

- Transport – as better connectivity is still required with Auckland, within the region and with our export markets; and digital infrastructure as despite substantial investment there are still significant connectivity, access, affordability, and digital literacy issues across the region.

So, we find ourselves in year five of our 10-year plan, which we have coined "the second half". We've come a long way in the first half, but we believe in adversity there is opportunity. We are committed to improving our regions' economic outcomes and the wellbeing of our communities by working collaboratively and supporting investment into projects.

Perhaps you are looking at growing indigenous kai, local food processing, maybe you're into high value manufacturing, have an innovative green energy initiative, a solid commercial project with strong sustainability outcomes or want to be part of a circular economy?

As Northland's Economic Development Agency, we want a strong second half of the plan and are keen to hear what projects you have ready to go and see how we can help. Maybe you are almost there and we can support you over the line. Let's ensure our projects are not only '"or us" in Tai Tokerau, but "by us" in Tai Tokerau! Contact Northland Inc in 09 438 5110 or email actionplan@northlandnz.com

Jude Thompson is portfolio manager, Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan at Northland Inc.