Council Unanimous In Support For Regional Economic Development

Hutt City unanimously passed a resolution to join Porirua and Wellington City Councils in the establishment of a Regional Economic Development Agency ("REDA") at a meeting of the full council on Tuesday night.

"It is very pleasing to see that this initiative, which flows directly from the ground breaking Wellington Region Economic Forum organised by Hutt City back in 1998, will now go ahead," said Mayor Terris.

Following the success of the Wellington Region Economic Forum a Start Up Group ("SUG") was formed under the chairmanship of Frances Small.

"I want to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the Start Up Group (SUG) chair Frances Small and the participation of Dr Ngatata Love in helping to bring this project to fruition," said Mayor Terris.

"While REDA enables all three councils to pool resources and ideas to benefit the region, Hutt City will continue its own economic development initiatives under the leadership of chief executive Rik Hart," said Mayor Terris.

Garry Poole, Chief Executive of Wellington City Council, says that a partnership has been formed between Porirua, Hutt City and Wellington City Council to set up the new agency.

"The advantage is that an independent regional economic development agency will be able to secure central Government funding and to work more closely with the private sector entering more joint partnerships."

City Development and Business Committee Chair Sue Piper says it is really exciting that Hutt City has decided to join with Wellington and Porirua City Councils on this initiative.

"Overseas experience shows that partnerships with Territorial Local Authorities and businesses make it easier to develop economies. We will work hard with both councils to exploit the past economic successes of the region and find and develop new ones."

A trust structure will be set up to run the agency.

Subject to Annual Plan approval, Hutt City will contribute $210,000 to the new organisation in 2001/02, rising to $310,000 in 2002/03 and $420,000 in 2003/04.

ENDS

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