Business Associations Respond to Te Waka Replacement?

By John Freer

It could be best labelled as a mute response to a call by the Waikato Regional Council for a regional economic development strategy.

In response to a move to replace the wider regional economic development agency Te Waka, the Waikato Regional Council has indicated it was prepared to step into a roll supporting on-going development.

A spokesperson for the Coromandel Colville Business Association, Jennifer Ashman, extended a concern over Coromandel Peninsula being left out when it came to greater Waikato economic development under a wider regional approach.

Jennifer told CFM that she was not sure about this model as she felt it would be very easy for the likes of Coromandel and the whole peninsula to be overlooked.

“I’m all for working together but I think the peninsula is not singing loudly enough especially when you think it is second to Queenstown as a tourist destination.

“One can only imagine how many more tourist dollars would flow into our area if we had a ferry service, a bus service from Thames and tour operators bringing busloads of tourists through to stay.

“I can’t see that any of those initiatives would interest the regional developers, but I would be willing to try and advocate for our area if it would make a difference.

“I think I’d have to know how much any new advocacy model is likely to cost before a model is put forward.”
Thames Business Association spokesperson Sue Lewis-O’Halloran said she would support the move if it meant a meaningful engagement.

“I support the regional leadership partnership approach provided it engages with the business community in a meaningful way.”

Sue said this meant bringing on board the business associations which can then work with their key stakeholders to ensure they remain future-focused and have the collective nous and gravitas to be effective collaborators.

“There is no point in doing this if the right partners aren’t at the table and also if there are not measurable outcomes.

“Regional economic development must involve those with ‘lived experience’ who are running businesses, appreciate the economic realities, and are open to both change and growth … and not afraid to have those tough conversations.

“If it’s just another bunch of bureaucrats and involves another talkfest, it will fail.”

She called on the regional council to actually demonstrate what a regional leadership partnership approach truly meant, and it was also able to think outside the box.