28 June 2002
Southland Receives $100,000 For Capability Building
Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton today announced Industry New Zealand funding of $100,000 for capability building in
Southland.
Funding was approved upon completion of Venture Southland’s ‘Strategy for Development 2002-2005’.
The funding is part of Industry New Zealand’s Regional Partnerships programme, which provides guidance and financial
support to help regions identify and develop sustainable economic growth strategies and put them into action.
Jim Anderton expressed his satisfaction at the progress being made by the region thus far.
“I’m pleased to see Southland coming together so well as a region. It’s exellent to watch local groups working in
partnership with the Government to identify growth opportunities for the whole region.
“The investments this Coalition Government has made in the regions prove that sustainable regional development is
possible.”
“Every region in New Zealand now has an economic development plan in place. All 14 are currently in a positive growth
mode.
“Southland led the nation last year, with an overall growth rate of 7.8%.”
“This level of growth is a direct result of regions playing to their individual strengths, instead of competing against
other regions. Continued growth in New Zealand’s regional economies will add up to sustainable growth for the entire
country.”
Southland’s economic development strategy has identified areas where additional capability would significantly enhance
the region’s economic development. The first is Strategic Projects, where expertise is needed to progress Regional
Initiatives. The second is Strategic Marketing, where research is needed to identify and break down barriers to tourism
development, as well as in agricultural and industrial sector diversification.
A team comprising staff, community and commercial sector advisory groups, local Iwi, the public and the Venture
Southland Board worked together to develop Southland’s strategy and associated Action Plan. Industry New Zealand ’s
Regional Partnership “Strategy Building” funding was used to complete the process.
Ends