21 March 2002

Five regions are being funded through Industry New Zealand’s Regional Partnership Programme the Minister of Industry and Regional Development, Jim Anderton announced yesterday in Parliament.

Regional Development Minister Jim Anderton welcomed the partnership funding as recognition that regional leaders are demonstrating a strong commitment to their communities.

“Regions are clearly working for the benefit of their citizens by developing plans which build business and industry, and create jobs, and this Coalition Government is pleased to support them,” said Jim Anderton.

The Western Bay of Plenty will receive $100,000 (GST inclusive) to form a regional development strategy in the first stage of the Regional Partnerships Programme.

Four other regions have received stage two funding for building regional capability following the development of their regional plans.

The Wellington region will receive an additional $100,000 (GST inclusive) in stage 2 to develop business clusters.

King Country is to receive $100,000 (GST inclusive) to assist them to undertake surveys on skill shortages, accommodation and ICT needs.

The Taranaki region will receive $100,000 (GST inclusive) to further implement their strategic plan before applying for major regional initiatives funding,

The Wanganui, Ruapehu and Rangitikei region will receive $100,000 (GST inclusive) for developing project management support to implement their economic development strategy.

Industry New Zealand contributes funds for regions to develop strategies, and to build capacity to implement them (up to $100,000 for each stage). Further funding of up to $2 million, is available to contribute to major regional initiatives that come out of the strategies developed in the first two stages.

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