Northland economy leads in some areas but challenges remain

20 November, 2003

ENTERPRISE NORTHLAND: MEDIA RELEASES 2003

A leader in tourism, new construction and consumer confidence, but lagging behind in employment, qualifications and household income. Those are some of the key conclusions from the first annual “report card” on Northland’s economy.

Commissioned by Enterprise Northland, the report card tracks Northland’s performance across a range of economic indicators, and compares Northland with a peer group of similar New Zealand regions (excluding regions with major metropolitan areas).

The indicators measure progress since 2002 towards the goals identified in Northland’s regional economic strategy, Northland Forward Together: Kokiri Ngatahi Tai Tokerau.

As Northland’s regional development agency, Enterprise Northland is responsible for driving that strategy, with the key objective: “Northland will be recognised within five years [from 2002] as a top-performing regional economy of its type in New Zealand, by being a leading (within the top three) destination for visitors, a leading region for sustainable business development, and by being a leading region for Maori business successes.”

Enterprise Northland chief executive Brian Roberts commented: “Northland’s first economic report card shows the region is already a top tourist destination. There has been a 3.8% increase in the number of Northland businesses in the past year, and our year-on-year economic growth of 3.3% rated third out of nine in our peer group of regions. Northland’s consumer confidence was higher than any other region in the group.

"Conversely, Northland’s average weekly income and employment rates are still trailing those of the other regions, and the qualification levels of our school leavers, and our overall population, are also low.”

Mr Roberts said while Northland’s progress was pleasing, the economic indicators highlighted some of the significant barriers to further growth.

"Northland’s major industry sectors – tourism, pastoral farming, wood processing, the marine industry and aquaculture – are each forecasting growth of between $30 million and $235 million over the next five years.

"To achieve this, we need to move from a low skill base to a high skill base through education and training, and to improve our infrastructure through investment in road, rail, airports, water/waste water and broadband.”

Mr Roberts said recent data had shown an encouraging improvement in factors such as Northland unemployment levels, but it was also important for Northland to maintain or improve its position relative to other regions.

The economic report card was one of a number of presentations at the Northland State of the Economy Forum hosted by Enterprise Northland in Whangarei today [Thursday 20 November]. The event was also addressed by Minister for Economic Development Jim Anderton, NZ Trade & Enterprise general manager of regional economic development Peter Healy, and Te Puni Kokiri acting regional manager Ian Peters. The forum was attended by representatives of Northland councils and Government agencies, as well as businesspeople.

For further information:
Brian Roberts
Chief Executive
Enterprise Northland
025-958 308

Deryck Shaw
Director
APR Consultants
027 477 1072