Big changes for economic development in the Eastern Bay

9 August 2013

On Wednesday 7 August 2013, the Toi EDA Board passed a number of resolutions that will see significant changes in the direction and oversight of an economic development agency in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Toi EDA, Eastern Bay of Plenty’s economic development agency, was established to ‘attract people to live, work and play in the Eastern Bay of Plenty’. It is tasked with supporting and developing industry, advocating for improved infrastructure, and encouraging alignment with Māori economic development activities.

Following consultation with the Mayors and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa representing the trustees of Toi EDA, the Board has decided to wind up the agency by the end of this year.

The key factor in this decision has been an acknowledgement of the need for greater industry and business involvement in economic development for the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

“Key industry and business leaders from across the Bay of Plenty have expressed interested in having greater involvement in how we foster growth in the eastern Bay of Plenty,” said Sir Michael Cullen, Transitional Chairman of Toi EDA.

“Toi EDA in its current form has achieved some good results since its inception but the Board has agreed that it is time to widen the net and ensure that the formation of any future agency is underpinned by strong principles of collaboration and stakeholder buy-in.”

There has been ongoing discussion about the future of Toi EDA following the very successful economic summit held last year.

“Toi EDA has been great for the region and will continue to progress the initiatives it has underway until December this year. In the coming months it will also work to develop a concept for an alternative economic development organisation in the Bay of Plenty. There are some exciting models operating around New Zealand and many are working really well for their regions. I look forward to seeing these changes and the economic outcomes they will bring to the region,” Sir Michael Cullen said.

ENDS

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