23rd consecutive quarter of positive year on year growth

"Congratulations are in order for every region in the country as they receive a positive report for their 23rd consecutive quarter of year on year growth," Jim Anderton, Minister of Regional and Industry Development said this morning.

"The national average year on year growth is also worth celebrating at 3.9 per cent.

"Regions have been working hard, together with this Labour Progressive government, industry, community and experts, to ensure that everyone has a future in their own region. All regions now have worked out strategic development plans and over half have started to implement a major regional initiative.

"The regional partnership programme provides support and expertise for strategic planning, capability building, inter-regional work, and skills development according to the needs of the region. While it is not the only reason for the continuous year on year growth, I am certain it has played a part in this success."

"Our regions were left for to die under National. This Labour Progressive Government is making sure that we lift the living standards of every region in the country by working in partnership with them to develop their creative and innovative ideas for economic growth.

"Regional initiatives so far have ranged from a wine research centre in Marlborough, to broadband in Southland and developing the food industry in Hawke's Bay. Regions like Northland, the East Coast of the North Island and the West Coast, which suffered low growth rates under National, are now growing at 4.7 per cent, 3.0 per cent and 5.3 per cent respectively year on year, and have development projects underway," said Jim Anderton, Progressive Leader and Minister of Economic, Industry and Regional Development.

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