Scott Simpson
MP For Coromandel
Media Release
27 February 2014
New guide to help boost development
New guidelines to help councils support local economic development and business investment have been welcomed by
Coromandel MP Scott Simpson.
The Business Friendly Councils guidelines, launched by Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), encourage economic
development by identifying the roles councils have to support and encourage their local businesses to invest and grow
jobs.
“In the Coromandel electorate we have several district councils who all have strong visions for growth and development
in their areas. Most are already doing tremendous work on this front with solid plans and strategies in place. This
guide will be another valuable tool to assist that process,” Mr Simpson said.
The Business Friendly Councils guidelines will help councils look at their own interactions with business and how they
can become more business friendly. It contains a number of case studies highlighting how councils and businesses have
successfully worked together.
“We have some terrific people working within our councils with tremendous knowledge and experience in the economic
development sector. But there is certainly nothing to be lost by learning what has worked in other parts of the country
and seeing whether it could be applied here,” Mr Simpson said.
The guidelines were produced by LGNZ in partnership with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the
Core Cities Councils – Auckland Council, Hamilton, City Council, Tauranga City Council, Wellington City Council,
Christchurch City Council and Dunedin City Council.
ENDS