Hon Steven Joyce
Minister for Economic Development
15 October 2015
Regional Economic Activity Report lays out growth opportunities for regions
Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce today released the 2015 Regional Economic Activity Report which highlights
economic opportunities for regions across New Zealand.
The report by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment provides the most recent facts from Statistics New
Zealand on the economy of each region. It supports the Government’s Business Growth Agenda by increasing understanding
of the New Zealand economy and its component regional economies.
“The Government has a full range of projects across the Business Growth Agenda to help regions capitalise on their
economic opportunities. We will continue to work with business and community leaders across New Zealand to build on each
region’s strengths and attract new investment.
“The key to success in each region is to build on its own unique mix of economic opportunities and competitive
advantages to attract investment, and grow jobs and incomes.” Mr Joyce says.
“For example Wellington will benefit from growing its ICT, creative and retail sectors, Nelson from sectors such as
tourism and aquaculture, while South Auckland’s opportunities will come from its growing youth population, diversity and
proximity to transport hubs.”
This year’s Report expands on the information provided for each region and includes more in-depth analysis of
comparative regional outcomes.
The Report is complemented by a data-and-functionality-enhanced web tool as well as a new mobile app with interactive
maps and charts. This information will be regularly updated as new statistics become available.
“The improved web tool and new mobile app will make it easier for councils, business groups and people of different
regions across New Zealand to compare and contrast the economies of different regions, and explore in more depth how
economic growth can be achieved in their particular region,” says Mr Joyce.
The data on regional incomes has been enhanced with estimates of household income for regional council and territorial
authority regions. GDP data has also been improved, with estimates of regional GDP down to the territorial authority
level.
The 2015 Report also includes a special feature on regional tourism, which forecasts an increase in tourism in New
Zealand based on a solid foundation of spending from the Australian market, large increases in Chinese visitors and
visitor spending, and strong growth from the United States.
The Regional Economic Activity Report and interactive website are availableHERE
ENDS