Councils, iwi, tertiary education providers and businesses collaborate to drive exciting new regional economic
opportunities
Local Government New Zealand, the peak body representing local authorities around New Zealand, congratulated the Bay of
Plenty Regional Council for initiatives announced today to bolster employment and education opportunities by awarding
$40.5 million from its Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to projects in the region.
“We would also like to congratulate the councils, community organisations and businesses that have successfully
developed proposals to grow their regional economies. Tauranga City Council and Opotiki District Council were among the
applicants partnering with Māori, community trusts and organisations, tertiary education providers, peak industry
organisations and businesses in the Bay.
“These initiatives are intended to increase jobs, strengthen the Bay’s tertiary education sector, and reduce Māori
unemployment, specifically, among other positive factors,” said LGNZ President, Lawrence Yule.
“Sector-wise, the awarding of this funding will bolster aquaculture, tertiary education, the marine sector, and
forestry-based innovation in the Bay.
“This is great news. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is investing in opportunities to grow the region’s economy. This
demonstrates the power of partnership – how councils are vital economic enablers,” Mr Yule said.
For more information, please visit www.lgnz.co.nz
ENDS