New Council sees economic growth as key objective

Ruapehu District Council is looking for a Business Development and Partnership Manager to help secure and support initiatives that will help the growth and expansion of Ruapehu’s economy.

Chief Executive Clive Manley said that the progression of economic development initiatives was one of the key objectives that the new Council has stated they want to achieve for the District.

“This new role focuses directly on two of Council’s key goals being to create and retain jobs and grow incomes,” said Mr. Manley.

“Strong public support for reprioritizing some spending toward economic development as proposed in the 2016/17 Annual Plan showed that a majority of people support Council making this investment.”

“So far Council has focused on capitalizing on co-investment opportunities with government under the Accelerate25 Manawatu-Whanganui Economic Action Plan and digital enablement.”

“To date this has unlocked $2 million in government investment to extend the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail from Turoa Ski Field to Ohakune plus $100,000 to help prepare a ‘Destination, Marketing and Value Proposition’ for the region.”

Mr. Manley said that while these successes have been achieved with current staff Council has identified that we need someone who can promote Ruapehu to potential investors and assist them and existing businesses looking to grow to achieve their goals.

“This newly created position will have a key role in helping Council implement its economic development strategy which includes a focus on being more business friendly.”

“Any potential investor or business will be able to come into Council and say ‘this is what we are planning or would like to achieve’ and get assistance to successfully navigate their way through any red tape or other consent requirements,” said Mr. Manley.

“If introductions or help with any other stakeholders such as Iwi or sector interest groups is required Council will also help with this.”

“Another important aspect to this new role will be to provide feedback to help Council simplify and improve its regulatory and compliance processes.”

Mr. Manley said that Council recognized that the need to compete to attract investors and new business and then do all we can to enable their success and that of our existing businesses once they are here.

“It would be great if we could find someone from Ruapehu with these skills who was passionate about achieving and maintaining long-term sustainable growth in the region,” he said.

“Anyone should see Council’s website for more information.”

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