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REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
INTRODUCTION
While the current government has embraced the notion of regional development, there has been little empirical evidence yet to suggest their forays into the regions have been successful.
New Zealand First is supportive of regional development where it creates real growth, not where it represents corporate welfare and greater dependency. Where real sustainable jobs have been created this should be lauded, but it is not the role of central government to try and pick winners when redistributing taxpayer funds.
Regional development requires a holistic approach, aimed at maximising the potential of the people and natural resources of a region to lift the overall well-being of those living in the region.
PLANS
New Zealand First will:
- empower regions to develop local initiatives, which meet local needs and utilise local talents;
- survey those programmes currently undertaken by the government to assess their value in generating real growth;
- redirect regional development funding into projects linked to infrastructure, communications and transport;
- enhance the role of tourism within the purview of regional development, particularly within regions that already have a strong tourism base;
- facilitate industry clusters where feasible to maximise growth potential; and,
- encourage regions to focus on capitalising on their natural resources, and in industries where they have a natural competitive advantage.
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