Waikato regional economic profile - Waikato Regional Council

The final report of the Government’s Quality Regulation Review in 2007 notedconcerns with the implementation of regulation by both local government, including theinconsistent interpretation and application across regions and districts (whereinconsistencies were not justified by regional or local differences). 347 This issue is beingconsidered by the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into local government regulation.The Commission’s inquiry work will feed into the Government’s wider local governmentreview, Better Local Government.7.4 Contribution to economic growthBusiness and Economic Research Ltd prepared for Local Government New Zealand in2010 a Framework that identifies the contribution local government makes to economicgrowth in New Zealand, with reference to the Government‘s Economic Growth Agendaat that time.The Framework suggests that local government‘s contribution is not limited to activitiesdelineated as “economic development” such as the set up of development agenciesand their associated activities, but includes areas such as leadership, spatial planningand infrastructure, implementation and delivery of regulation, the provision of coreservices and social and community support and amenities. Underpinning the PriorityAreas are cross-cutting principles that guide the activity undertaken. These aresustainability, place shaping, and Māori. 348Local government’s contribution to economic growth and development can beencompassed within six priority areas: Leadership (incorporating partnership and facilitation): setting, supporting anddriving a vision for economic growth. Spatial planning and infrastructure: ensuring that the physical and builtenvironment is conducive to economic growth. Regulation: create a quality regulatory environment to make it easier forbusinesses to grow, invest and create jobs encouraging economic growth. Services: effective coordination and delivery of key council activities thatsupport the effective functioning of local communities.Business and industry development: facilitating investment, industry andemployment growth; and implementing measures that support a conducivebusiness environment. Social and community: an environment that supports wellbeing and enablescommunities to participate; contribute to economic growth. 349All local authorities deliver services that contribute to the regulation, services and socialand community priority areas. Local Authority Shared Services Ltd is jointly owned byall of the local authorities in the Waikato region as a vehicle to develop sharedservices.Several councils have been involved with a number of activities in the spatial planningand infrastructure priority area, such as: Upper North Island Strategic Alliance Agreement: the purpose is to establish along-term collaboration 350 for responding to and managing a range of interregionaland inter-metropolitan issues. FutureProof: a joint project set up by partner councils 351 to consider how theHamilton, Waipa, Waikato sub-region should develop into the future.347New Zealand Government (2007, p. 4).348Business and Economic Research Ltd (2010, p. 5).349Business and Economic Research Ltd (2010, p. 18).350Between the Auckland Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Northland Regional Council, Waikato RegionalCouncil, Hamilton City Council, Tauranga City Council and Whangarei District Council.351Hamilton City Council, Waipa District Council, Waikato District Council, Waikato Regional Council.Page 102 Doc #: 2069885