Board appointed to steer Economic Development Strategy
Media Release: Wednesday 23 April
Board
appointed to steer Horowhenua's Economic Development
Strategy
A board largely made up of local business leaders has been appointed to help steer Horowhenua's Economic Development Strategy.
This is designed to strengthen and grow the District's economy by identifying challenges, priorities, actions and initiatives required to achieve greater investment, more jobs, higher skills, increased household income and an enhanced reputation of Horowhenua.
The new Board will provide strong business-minded leadership across issues that directly affect the community, such as employment opportunities, workforce skill development, and household income.
The Board includes the founding members of Horowhenua District Council's Economic Development Advisory Group - Gwen Bailey, Larry Ellison, Barry Judd, Evan Kroll, Daniel Lowry, Andrew Parkin, Ron Turk, Andy Wynne, and Cameron Lewis as chairperson.
Mr Lewis, a Levin dairy farmer, said he is proud to be able to play a part in such a visionary but practical economic development strategy.
"It is an exciting time for the Horowhenua with the economy improving and the board is looking forward to helping shape a stronger more prosperous district."
The Council is represented by Mayor Brendan Duffy and Councillors Wayne Bishop and Piri-Hira Tukapua.
Economic Development Manager Shanon Grainger says developing the local economy has been highlighted as a key priority for Horowhenua.
"The Economic Development Strategy provides the blueprint for Horowhenua to build up its economic capacity and to improve its economic future and the quality of life for all."
Mr Grainger says that as pointed out in the Strategy, it is not for Council to lead economic development, but rather to facilitate, advocate and coordinate it, and to support rather than direct.
"This is why local business and private-sector leadership has been noted as a critical requirement for the Strategy's success," he said.
"Supporting and empowering our business community to provide economic leadership is imperative."
ENDS