New partnership for economic development organisation

Media release | 17 August 2015

Regional economic development can expect a shot in the arm from a new partnership signed in Wellington on Friday.

Chair of the Economic Development Agencies of New Zealand (EDANZ) Mr Michael Bassett-Foss says the arrangement with professional services firm MartinJenkins is a welcome step forward in the organisation’s re-gearing process.

The new partnership will give EDANZ a sustainable and nimble footing, allowing it to make a more effective contribution to regional economic growth for the benefit of the whole country, he says.

It provides the organisation with access to New Zealand’s leading economic development advisors, as well as ongoing secretariat services. The arrangement replaces a staffed Wellington-based office closed in June this year.

Mr Bassett-Foss said MartinJenkins was a natural partner for EDANZ’s work to provide stronger leadership for regional economic development.

“Stakeholder engagement over the last year showed loud and clear there is need for a more integrated approach at the regional level to move New Zealand forward.

“Our aim is to help create the conditions for combined, focused efforts which can return more to the nation as a whole.”

MartinJenkins track record in economic development and understanding of the policy context as well as the practical realities in the regions would neatly complement EDANZ’s existing networked approach, he said.

“We will now be able to focus our energies on supporting the rollout of the regional growth studies programme, as well as helping regions that have new strategies to implement them effectively.

“With a stronger analytical base we can improve the way regional economic development efforts are integrated with national growth and investment initiatives.”

He looked forward to the new partnership and to developing ways of working together with central government, local government, iwi and the private sector to the benefit of all.

MartinJenkins director Nick Davis said the agreement was an exciting one, as it further strengthened his company’s commitment to regional economic development.

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Background information

Economic Development Agencies of New Zealand (EDANZ)

• EDANZ was established in 1998 to develop economic development best practice among the 83 councils and agencies involved in local economic development.

• Over the last few years its membership has consolidated around a core base of 14 regions (and associated EDAs). Its current membership of 31 agencies spans the country.

• Its roles and functions have evolved over time, in part in response to changes in central government’s regional development policy.

In the past, the focus has been on building skills and services in member organisations, and helping EDAs line up with funding sources.

• There is now an increased focus on connectivity and integration across local stakeholders (eg councils, economic and tourism agencies, iwi organisations, businesses), and on building relationships across central and local government.

• Its current challenge is to develop a focused, strategic and integrated approach to regional economic development to the greater benefit of New Zealand.

MartinJenkins

• MartinJenkins is a leading New Zealand-based professional services firm, with a long track record of contributing to regional economic development strategy, policy and research in New Zealand.

• The company’s involvement in economic development has been extensive, ranging from leading the policy work to establish Callaghan Innovation, to advising on regional economic development including the regional growth studies for Northland, Bay of Plenty and East Coast.

• The company also contributes through sponsorship of LGNZ’s Excellence Award for local economic contribution, and this newly formalised relationship with EDANZ further strengthens its commitment to the sector.

• Founded in 1983, MartinJenkins has a staff of 45 in two offices in Auckland and Wellington. The company’s client base includes central government, local government, regional bodies in many spheres, not-for-profit and corporate organisations. It provides evaluation, public policy, financial and economic analysis, and organisational strategy, process and design services to significantly lift client performance.

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