Wairoa District Council
Giblin Group was contracted by the Wairoa District Council to compile an Economic Development Report that would identify areas of improvement in whanau wellbeing.
Giblin Group was contracted by the Wairoa District Council to compile an Economic Development Report that would identify areas of improvement in whanau wellbeing.
Chris Bain from Giblin Group got the ball rolling with the completion of an economic development report ‘Whakarauora – The regeneration of Long Water’ which was funded through the Provincial Growth Fund.
The comprehensive document was a direct response to Central Government’s recognition that some areas of New Zealand are challenged and that through the PGF people living all over New Zealand can reach their full potential by helping build a regional economy that is sustainable, inclusive and productive.
The report identified an economic development framework that will help guide sustainable growth throughout the Wairoa district over the next 10-years and beyond.
Themes from the report included regeneration of the Wairoa River, the forestry threat to agricultural farming, diversifying into horticulture and improving the productivity of traditional hill country farms and Maori owned land.
High-speed internet connectivity throughout the entire district and enhanced job creation, including closing the gap on the shortage of tradies, enhancing employment within existing sectors and encouraging new vocational pathways are all targeted.
The report identified many potential game-changers that could improve Wairoa’s economy over the mid to long-term, providing a fully integrated approach is consistently taken to implementing the strategy.
Mayor Craig Little said while the report identifies some amazing potential for the district, it also contains some confronting statistics, particularly around the health of the people.
“There are some fantastic recommendations within the report, but we are not just limited to the scope of this study. We are not trying to be something we are not; it is about being the best we can be with what we have.
“This report is just the first step in a journey to realising our district’s full potential. There is still a lot of work to do, but at least we have a place to start.”
The information contained in the report was used to inform the development of applications to the Provincial Growth Fund and to inform other work within the community in the social, environmental, cultural and economic space.
“Jenni did a fantastic job in helping us to secure critical partnerships and funding support for our internationally significant Len Lye Centre project – what’s more we really enjoyed working with her.”
“Giblin Group’s knowledge of government practices and procedures on a national and local level is invaluable, and I often find that they are well connected with staff and officials on all levels of Government. Giblin Group scopes their assignments well, provides accurate cost estimates for their services, delivers within the agreed timeframes and always deliver excellent quality work – no project manager can really ask for more!”
“The work that the Giblin Group completed, in collaboration with our staff, was instrumental in the success the project has had in securing significant funding to this key City initiative. In particular we have found the experience of the Giblin Group to been invaluable in seeking funding from a variety of sources in an increasingly challenging environment.”