MEDIA RELEASE
 
 
Bay of Plenty region set to prosper

For immediate release: 10 July 2009
 
The success of the Bay of Plenty’s food, aquaculture and energy strategies depend upon key people in the region working together – that was the message from three Regional Governance Group forums held earlier this week.
 
Regional Governance Group member and Toi-EDA Trustee Anthony Olsen spoke at both the energy and aquaculture forums: “If the region shows the same commitment that has occurred over the last eight months since ‘Bay of Connections’ was launched, we will be heading towards an exciting and prosperous Bay of Plenty.”
 
The Regional Governance Group consists of people from business, economic development agencies and a representative from local government. ‘Bay of Connections’ is the economic development strategy developed by the Regional Governance Group, covering the wider Bay of Plenty region. 
 
“It’s obvious from the turnout of iwi groups that they are stepping up to the challenge and positioning themselves to maximise the economic development potential of aquaculture and energy,” Mr Olsen said.
 
All three strategies will be completed over the next three months.
 
Food Strategy
The food strategy recognises the need for an innovation centre so the region becomes a centre of excellence in horticulture. In partnership with key industries, the centre would speed up the creation of new, high value products.
 
The value of the food sector in the Bay is almost $2 billion - of that $1.2 billion comes from Zespri. Fifty per cent of food from the Bay of Plenty is exported to key markets in Australia and Asia. 
 
Zespri International Director Corporate and Grower Services Carol Ward said the success of the food strategy will require resources, time and commitment from a range of people in the region, and across New Zealand including local and central government, science and research providers, iwi and industry.
 
“This is the first step towards greater collaboration by industry and stakeholders in the region who are committed to building the capability of Bay of Plenty’s food and beverage sector,” Mrs Ward said.
 
Energy Strategy
The Bay of Plenty region could generate 15 percent of New Zealand’s electricity demand and attract more than $4 billion in energy investments over the next 15 to 50 years. This would result in thousands of new jobs being created.
 
Destination Rotorua Economic Development Manager Grant Kilby said the opportunities for business and attraction of investment into the region could be immense. “Our plentiful supply of geothermal, wood and solar means the Bay of Plenty is probably New Zealand’s most energy rich region,” Mr Kilby said.
 
The discussions highlighted the fact that energy doesn’t just have to be seen as a sector that supports others but that it can create wealth in its own right. The vision for the strategy will be focused around creating wealth and well-being through energy.
 
Priority One Chief Executive Andrew Coker said that “given the wealth of knowledge and industry already here and the possibilities for the future, we can ensure that the Bay of Plenty is recognised as the most energy rich region in New Zealand”.
 
Aquaculture strategy
The focus of the Aquaculture strategy is on commercial-scale development. 
 
Regional Governance Group Chair John Cronin said there is huge potential for aquaculture in the Bay of Plenty.
 
“Aquaculture is not an easy sector to develop and there are many variables involved.  It is important that we position ourselves now with a sensible plan so we can take advantage of the opportunities that arise. We have a unique and exciting opportunity to become a world-class aquaculture region,” Mr Cronin said.
 
Aquaculture New Zealand Chair and Hauraki mussel farmer Peter Vitasovich agreed. “Here in the Bay of Plenty you have on your doorstep a region that has the potential to unlock benefits that will reach deep into your communities. I encourage you to take everything that is being done in New Zealand and do it better.” he said.
 
ENDS.
 

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