International experience on show in Timaru

International experience on show in Timaru

Regional economic growth in New Zealand stands to benefit from the lessons learnt overseas which will be highlighted at next week’s Regional Development Conference in Timaru.

More than 330 delegates from throughout New Zealand have already registered for the conference from September 24 to 26, which focuses on the value of regional development to New Zealand’s economy and looks at ways to build stronger regional economies.

Conference spokesperson, Roger Wigglesworth, Principal Advisor, Ministry of Economic Development, says Prime Minister Helen Clark will be speaking on the final day of the conference.

“The involvement of the Prime Minister, along with Economic, Industry and Regional Development Minister Jim Anderton, and Trade Negotiations Minister Jim Sutton, shows the value the Government places on this conference, especially its role in helping build regional economies.

“The theme of the conference is From Strength to Strength and the only way that will be achieved will through strong partnerships, forged and strengthened at forums such as the Regional Development Conference.”

Dr Wigglesworth says organisers have also just confirmed an addition to the already wide-ranging line-up of issues coming under the spotlight, with Lincoln University economists Paul Dalziel and Carolyn Saunders looking at overseas successes and failures in regional development.

They will review the economic development report card for OECD member countries, looking at the type of programmes making a difference overseas in terms of growing regional economies.

Dr Wigglesworth says interest in the conference continues to grow, and organisers are anticipating a late rush of extra registrations. The Ministry of Economic Development, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, The Aoraki Development Trust and EDANZ are jointly hosting the conference. [ends] For more information contact: (021) 436 429

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