The MOU outlines the key priorities for a long-term partnership between the subregion and central government and is a major step towards securing a Regional Deal that will help unlock the Western Bay’s growth potential, so it can boost productivity and thrive.
The Government’s City and Regional Deal framework is based on a 30-year vision for the subregion, with a negotiated 10-year strategic plan designed to progress joint priorities.
Key goals of the proposed deal are to unlock opportunities for economic growth, create connected and resilient infrastructure and improve the supply and affordability of housing, while also offering opportunities for the private sector and tangata whenua to participate.
It’s estimated that this would enable the delivery of up to 40,000 houses, facilitate 35,000 jobs, industrial land and GDP growth of around 4.6% per year for the subregion.
Western Bay of Plenty Mayor, James Denyer, says a deal would cement the strong partnership between local and central government, with a focus on priorities that benefit the entire country. “This deal will provide our fast-growing subregion with the tools, legislative support and an agreed timeframe to build on current and planned infrastructure investments, implement our spatial plan to grow housing and provide land for industrial development.”
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair, Doug Leeder, says a deal would provide certainty for new infrastructure that is critical to the region’s continued prosperity. “A deal would unlock land for housing, industrial and commercial use and enable our strong growth to continue. That certainty would create confidence, attract investment, improve productivity and drive growth, all of which would strengthen our nation’s trade gateway via the Port of Tauranga.”
Tauranga Mayor, Mahé Drysdale, says securing a deal would be a gamechanger for the subregion, creating long-term alignment and much-needed certainty. “This partnership with the Government will enable us to lead the country’s growth and provide more jobs and housing, while continuing to safeguard the region’s unique lifestyle, vibrant culture and growing economy. We now look forward to working with Government to refine a shared vision for a regional deal.”
The Western Bay Mayors and Regional Chair say key benefits of a regional deal will be the ability to accelerate the development of affordable housing and provide the certainty needed to encourage private sector investment in our fast-growing region.
Priority One’s Board Chair, Todd Muller, says “Selection of the Western Bay as one of the three regions to advance to an MOU indicates that the Government recognises our importance to the nation’s economy, and that through alignment and partnership, we can be a powerhouse for economic development which will advance the interests of the country as a whole.”
The Western Bay subregion proposal was submitted by Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, tangata whenua and economic development agency, Priority One. The MOU will form the basis for central government and the subregion’s partners working together to agree terms of a potential regional deal.
For further information, contact communicationsemail@tauranga.govt.nz