Scott Simpson
MP For Coromandel

Media Release

27 February 2014

New guide to help boost development

New guidelines to help councils support local economic development and business investment have been welcomed by Coromandel MP Scott Simpson.

The Business Friendly Councils guidelines, launched by Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), encourage economic development by identifying the roles councils have to support and encourage their local businesses to invest and grow jobs.

“In the Coromandel electorate we have several district councils who all have strong visions for growth and development in their areas. Most are already doing tremendous work on this front with solid plans and strategies in place. This guide will be another valuable tool to assist that process,” Mr Simpson said.

The Business Friendly Councils guidelines will help councils look at their own interactions with business and how they can become more business friendly. It contains a number of case studies highlighting how councils and businesses have successfully worked together.

“We have some terrific people working within our councils with tremendous knowledge and experience in the economic development sector. But there is certainly nothing to be lost by learning what has worked in other parts of the country and seeing whether it could be applied here,” Mr Simpson said.

The guidelines were produced by LGNZ in partnership with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Core Cities Councils – Auckland Council, Hamilton, City Council, Tauranga City Council, Wellington City Council, Christchurch City Council and Dunedin City Council.

ENDS

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