BAY of CONNECTIONS YEARLY REPORT Growth Is Never by Mere Chance; It Is the Result of Forces Working Together – James C Penney
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2016 BAY OF CONNECTIONS YEARLY REPORT Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together – James C Penney 2 The past two years have seen the work of the Bay of With 13 key sectors now in the Bay of Connections portfolio, Connections come into the spotlight more than ever, its ability to adapt and evolve in a changing environment has particularly through the Regional Growth Programme. As the become a fundamental element; while retaining its core 2016 calendar year comes to a close, it’s time to take a step philosophy of working collaboratively remains at the heart of back and highlight the progress that has been made. its operations. Of particular note, the Bay of Plenty Regional Action Plan This Yearly Report provides an overview of the activities and moved into its implementation phase in 2016, which has achievements of the 2016 calendar year and gives insight into involved the region and central government working together the year ahead. like never before. 3 DOUG LEEDER – GOVERNANCE GROUP CHAIR As the Bay of Plenty Regional In addition to its strong relationships with government, Growth Programme has evolved over the Bay of Connections never loses sight of the fact that it past 12 months, so too has the Bay of Connections. exists for industry to grow our economy and generate This evolution is essential for Bay of Connections to jobs. remain relevant and responsive to the needs of growth and development in the region, while maintaining its The benefits of a growing economy have a positive key philosophies of collaboration, connectedness and impact on everyone in our region – from industries and being industry led. businesses, through to communities and individuals. With a more prosperous region comes a greater The RGS and its implementation has seen the wider chance of better social and economic benefits. region align growth activities, and work towards a common goal like never before. It is imperative to With nine years of work now under its belt, Bay of further build on, and maintain, this connectedness. Connections is well and truly in a position to play its part in helping to build a more prosperous region, where we stand together to win. FIONA MCTAVISH – MANAGEMENT GROUP CHAIR 2016 has been a stand-out year for There are now 10 Regions in the Government’s the Bay of Connections and the Regional Growth Programme across New Zealand and progress, relationships and learnings, have us all with central government, stand as testament to the excited about what 2017 will bring. Programme’s value, while existing relationships have also been strengthened. These relationships are key to In 2015, the Bay of Plenty was the second region in ongoing implementation of the Action Plan. New Zealand to launch its Regional Growth Study and first to launch and Economic Action Plan, and since There are now 10 active Regional Growth Programmes then, it has been the leading region in terms of across the country, so it is important that we maintain milestones and progress, all while continuing to deliver our point of difference. This will be achieved by business as usual. continuing to work together as a region, without losing sight of our long established, and infinitely important, It has tested our ability to adapt quickly, innovate beyond industry connections. our normal process and communicate on a wider scale. It’s this quick moving evolution that gives us the edge to excel on a national scale and deliver tangible results. 4 CHERYL LEWIS – PORTFOLIO MANAGER 2016 has seen another year of and importance of trusting relationships, honesty and evolution as Bay of Connections grows integrity, which is the essence of Bay of Connections. and develops to the next stage. After its birth at the end We’re industry led, for the benefit of the region, and of 2007, Bay of Connections spent the first four here to help regional growth happen. formative years finding its feet and establishing its connections, partners and purpose. By 2011 we had a strong portfolio, with industry groups WE’RE INDUSTRY LED, FOR THE BENEFIT and strategies for Forestry, Freight Logistics, Energy, OF THE REGION, AND HERE TO Rugby Sevens and Aquaculture. We were at a point HELP REGIONAL GROWTH HAPPEN. where we could credibly communicate our achievements. Over the last two years, we have consolidated our purpose and grown to another level. So after nine years of care and nurturing, the Bay of The addition of the Regional Growth Programme has Connections baby has come a long way and made seen increased accountability, awareness and great friends across the country. It is ready and willing responsibility for Bay of Connections – a challenge we to run into 2017 with more energy and enthusiasm have embraced. And because Bay of Connections is a than ever. coalition of the willing and like-minded, it continues to be an enjoyable and constructive journey. Our Thank you to everyone who has played a role in Bay of relationship with central government is fantastic. We Connections during 2016, no matter how small it may openly and genuinely work alongside our central have seemed, every person has been important. 2017 government colleagues, and view them as a key part of is going to be magnificent. the Bay of Connections family. SINCE INCEPTION, THE GROWTH OF BAY OF CONNECTIONS HAS BEEN AN ORGANIC, NATURAL PROGRESSION, NOT FORCED NOR TOO PRESCRIBED, WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE “2017 is COMING TOGETHER AT THE RIGHT TIMES. going to be magnificent” Since inception, the growth of Bay of Connections has been an organic, natural progression, not forced nor too prescribed, with the right people coming together at the right times. We’ve never underestimated the power 5 VISION BAY OF PLENTY – A PROSPEROUS REGION SUPPORTED BY SUSTAINABLE SECTORS. MISSION TO DELIVER SECTOR-BASED STRATEGIES AND ACTION PLANS THAT GENERATE AND ENCOURAGE ADDITIONAL SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT FOR THE BAY OF PLENTY. VALUES WE WILL COLLABORATE IN OUR COMMUNITY WITH INTEGRITY, RESPECT AND TRANSPARENCY, AND IN A FRIENDLY MANNER. 6 BAY OF CONNECTIONS OVERVIEW Bay of Connections is the regional growth strategy for Puni Kōkiri and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, the wider Bay of Plenty, with a vision of creating a amongst others. prosperous region supported by sustainable sectors. It is simple and aspirational, with the aim of establishing Since its inception in 2008, Bay of Connections has and implementing sector-based strategies that generate made a significant impact on the region’s development, job growth. contributing to regional growth and national influence. As it nears its first decade of operation, the Bay of At the heart of the strategy are the philosophies of Connections continues to evolve and adapt to the collaboration and connectedness. Through working constantly changing environment, ensuring relevancy together at a regional, national and international level and value of actions, while acting as a reliable and to connect the right people, places, businesses, supportive guide for the future success of the region. organisations and industries, the benefits from within and into the region are boundless. Bay of Connections is industry-led, with a strong commercial and action focus. It is a coalition of the The Bay of Connections is also responsible for the Toi willing where participation by interested stakeholders is Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Growth Programme, wholly encouraged. working alongside the sub-regions of the wider Bay of Plenty, as well as the Ministry of Business, Innovation Join us, as we continue to evolve and work and Employment, Ministry for Primary Industries, Te together to grow our region and communities. 7 EDA UPDATES Destination Rotorua, Enterprise Great Francis Pauwels Lake Taupō, Fritz Fröhlke The Bay of Connections can be proud of the way in As our involvement with which the region and Bay of Connections central government is matures, we find the working together to cooperation between implement the RGS. economic development agencies has also For the Rotorua region, deepened and added to this has meant tangible support and focus on our sense of working together. Agribusiness, Forestry and Wood Products, Māori Land Utilisation and Visitor Economy. New Zealand is a very small place in the world, let alone the Bay of Plenty. So in order to attract A key highlight for 2016 was the Changing Perceptions of businesses, foreign direct investment and skilled Engineered Timber for Construction (CPETC) conference, immigrants to our region, we need to stand united and supported by the Ministries of Business Innovation and offer these people what they need. Employment and Primary Industries, to identify how more engineered timber can be utilised in New Zealand. Looking back on 2016 the standout success was the completion of the RGS and this project now moving By working in partnership, we start the journey of into its implementation phase. As an example, even building understanding and confidence in further though we are miles away from Ōpōtiki, it is a great strategic investments. example of what can be achieved if a larger overarching organisation gets in behind a smaller town The RGS is a powerful tool to engage with central and project to provide a united push. To us, that is what government, entities across the region and most the Bay of Connections is all about, and we are importantly, maintain a specific focus on new cheering Ōpōtiki and the region’s other communities investment and job opportunities. all the way. 8 Credit: Sara McGovern Priority One, Greg Toi-EDA, John Simmonds Galbraith Implementation of the The Eastern Bay of Plenty RGS and Action Plan has grew strongly across all been a key area of focus sectors in the economy in for both Bay of the year to June 2016, with Connections and Priority a 3.7% lift in GDP flowing One in 2016.