Big changes for economic development in the Eastern Bay
9 August 2013
On Wednesday 7 August 2013, the Toi EDA Board passed a number of resolutions that will see significant changes in the
direction and oversight of an economic development agency in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Toi EDA, Eastern Bay of Plenty’s economic development agency, was established to ‘attract people to live, work and play
in the Eastern Bay of Plenty’. It is tasked with supporting and developing industry, advocating for improved
infrastructure, and encouraging alignment with Māori economic development activities.
Following consultation with the Mayors and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa representing the trustees of Toi EDA, the Board has
decided to wind up the agency by the end of this year.
The key factor in this decision has been an acknowledgement of the need for greater industry and business involvement in
economic development for the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
“Key industry and business leaders from across the Bay of Plenty have expressed interested in having greater involvement
in how we foster growth in the eastern Bay of Plenty,” said Sir Michael Cullen, Transitional Chairman of Toi EDA.
“Toi EDA in its current form has achieved some good results since its inception but the Board has agreed that it is time
to widen the net and ensure that the formation of any future agency is underpinned by strong principles of collaboration
and stakeholder buy-in.”
There has been ongoing discussion about the future of Toi EDA following the very successful economic summit held last
year.
“Toi EDA has been great for the region and will continue to progress the initiatives it has underway until December this
year. In the coming months it will also work to develop a concept for an alternative economic development organisation
in the Bay of Plenty. There are some exciting models operating around New Zealand and many are working really well for
their regions. I look forward to seeing these changes and the economic outcomes they will bring to the region,” Sir
Michael Cullen said.
ENDS