Business South and the Waitaki District Council have teamed up to kickstart the introduction of an “ambitious” new economic development plan.

An agreement between the two organisations contracts Business South’s Waitaki business

navigator Rebecca Finlay to the council for two years in a new role – business and enterprise growth lead.

The partnership aims to support the delivery of key elements of the district’s Uplifting Waitaki: Hāpaitia te Waitaki economic development strategy, for delivering sustainable and inclusive economic growth for the whole district and its communities. 

The strategy was developed by Polis Consulting Group, with the council and Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, together with members of the business community and other stakeholders.

Business South chief executive Mike Collins said Rebecca’s role would “shape and implement transformational initiatives”.

“To enhance Waitaki as a great place to live, work, invest and do business.”

The agreement recognised the council and Business South had shared goals for economic development, growth and success in the Waitaki, and they would be working closely together to achieve them, he said.

A key part of the growth lead position would be to effectively work with businesses, iwi and other stakeholders across the district, to help prioritise initiatives to improve community wellbeing and enable sustainable economic development.

Resources to support the new role and initiatives have been secured through the council’s allocation of the Government’s Better Off funding, which was distributed as part of the Three Waters reform package - intended for projects that communities felt they needed the most.

The Uplifting Waitaki: Hāpaitia te Waitaki strategy was developed and designed with the

engagement of the business community and te Rūnanga, and to be successful, would need to be “implemented in partnership”, council chief executive Alex Parmley said. 

This was being factored into the design of a new economic development agency, which had been proposed as a council controlled organisation (CCO) to lead the implementation of the strategy. 

Community feedback would be sought on the proposal in April and May.

But as work continued into setting up the agency, the council wanted to get on with realising some of the benefits the strategy could bring the district, and the partnership with Business South was a great starting point for that, he said.

“Business South brings a network and insight that will be essential to the successful delivery of our shared ambitions for the economy.

“Rebecca brings with her skills and a great approach. 

“I am really looking forward to where Rebecca and our partnership with Business South will take us.”

Rebecca started in her new role this week, and was enthusiastic to “help kickstart” the strategy, she said.

“This is an exciting opportunity to ensure the district is well-positioned for growth and success now and into the future.”

She would continue the duties of her navigator role, supporting local businesses to build strong networks and relationships, while providing access to tools, resources and support needed.