NEWS RELEASE
24 June 2014

More backing for single regional economic agency

Wellington City Council’s Governance, Finance and Planning Committee has today agreed in principle to the formation of a Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency (WREDA).
WREDA would bring together Positively Wellington Tourism, Wellington City Council Major Events, Destination Wellington, Positively Wellington Tourism and Grow Wellington (from Greater Wellington Regional Council) to form a single organisation tasked with growing the region’s economy.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says that the formation of WREDA provides a cleaner, clearer system that will make a big difference in promoting the Wellington region.

“We have a great opportunity to establish a single expert agency that will combine resources, reduce duplication, streamline interaction with business and support the best economic results for the region as a whole.”

Councillor Jo Coughlan, Chair of Council’s Economic Growth and Arts Committee, says bringing together tourism, major events and economic development functions in one organisation will provide one voice and a clear focus for the region.

“The WREDA proposal will enable us to scale up and leverage our partnerships and opportunities much more effectively so that we can ultimately be more competitive as a region.”

Deputy Mayor and Governance, Finance and Planning Committee Chair Justin Lester says the proposal provides an opportunity to build on the economic advantages of the region and achieve a ‘step change’ in economic performance.

The proposed formation of WREDA has the support of the region’s Mayoral Forum and all local authorities in the region apart from Carterton District Council.

Greater Wellington Regional Council will consider the proposal at its meeting this Thursday 26 June and, if approved, the next step would be public consultation, carried out by Wellington City Council and the Regional Council. The results of the consultation would then be reported back to all councils in the region in August/September for a final decision.

ENDS

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