Wellington region must unite

The Wellington region must be united if it is to be economically successful Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard said today.

"Bringing about economic transformation will not occur through individual local authority areas going it alone, but it can occur with a collective effort," he said.
"If the region is to be successful long term it needs to focus on those areas where it can be internationally competitive.

For example, it’s difficult for the region, and indeed New Zealand, to compete in large scale manufacturing because countries like China are doing that increasingly well. At a national level we want to forge an economic identity that is uniquely kiwi – our environment, our location, our natural strengths and resources, our talents in innovation and our kiwi can-do attitude.

"I’m pleased to see the region’s leaders working cooperatively on an economic strategy," Trevor Mallard said.

ends

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