21 March 2005

Third Regional Development Conference opens

Jim Anderton, Minister for Economic, Regional and Industry development opened the third Regional Development Conference in New Zealand, in Napier today.

"This is our third regional development conference since we went to Rotorua in 2001 for what was the first regional development conference in New Zealand since 1969. That conference was a springboard of confidence for everyone involved in the social and economic development of New Zealand’s regions.. …

"Over the last five years twenty-six partnerships have been formed between business, iwi, local government, economic development agencies and central government.

"All twenty-six regions have produced economic development strategies. … So I celebrate the success of twenty-six regions working with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise to respond to economic development opportunities.

"In my view it is no coincidence we are also celebrating 23 consecutive quarters of year on year growth. We don’t take all the credit, but nor is it all coincidence.

"It’s difficult to put a figure on the confidence that has been produced by simply ensuring regions have a public commitment from central government to their future. But if you were making an investment decision, it is only going to help if you see a region pulling together and committing itself to the future.

Full speech notes available here: www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1632 or www.beehive.govt.nz/anderton after 12 noon.

ENDS

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