A plan for Porirua City’s continued economic growth will help the city play to its strengths, by focusing on where we can make the biggest impact and supporting the big projects already underway.

The Economic Growth Plan for 2018-2021 was recommended for approval by the Council’s City Direction Committee today. It sets out the steps being taken to make sure Porirua is a growing, prosperous, and regionally connected city.

Committee Chairperson, Councillor ‘Ana Coffey, says the plan outlines the actions we can take to work towards prosperity for all in Porirua.

“We’re a small city so we can’t do everything. But by playing to our strengths and working together we’re creating a city where businesses can thrive, where our community is engaged and where visitors feel welcome.”

Porirua is a city that believes strong partnerships are a key to success, and economic growth is a joint effort, she says.

“Council is just one partner in growing the city and we want to work side by side with iwi and other business and community leaders to make this vision a reality.

“It’s also about valuing our current business community while also looking for new opportunities for growth.”

Mayor Mike Tana says there has never been a better time to be in Porirua City and we’re optimistic about the future.

“We want our businesses to continue to feel confident in a future with increased growth, investor interest, high levels of consumer spending and increased tourism numbers and visitor spend,” he says.

“We want our residents to benefit from higher incomes, more job opportunities and increased enjoyment in our city.

“And we have a plan to help get us there.”

Acting General Manager, City Growth and Partnerships, Darryn Grant says the economic growth plan includes four key focus areas, with aims and actions for each.

They are: creating an environment for businesses to thrive, playing to our strengths, maximising the benefits of projects of significance and telling our stories.

“There’s a lot going on in Porirua right now – including the city centre revitalisation, significant roading and housing developments, new businesses and tourist attractions being built.

“We need to plan carefully to make sure we all benefit from this growth and that we retain what makes us unique and special,” he says.

Our economic growth relies on working together, and to achieve our potential we need everyone to play a role.

“It’s important that we work smart by focusing on the areas where we can make the biggest impact, and make the most of the things that are already happening, like Transmission Gully and the city centre revitalisation.

“We want to work with businesses and the community to understand what’s important to you and make informed decisions together.”

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