The WRS is a sustainable economic growth strategy which was set up to enhance the region by building our economy and helping develop us into an internationally competitive region.
Prior to the strategy, there was concern about future projections for the region, particularly population growth, loss of young talent from the region, and changes to the manufacturing base. The WRS was developed to improve the regions performance in these areas. The region must maintain its internationally competitive quality of life if it is to attract and retain talent.
Local authorities in the region, in conjunction with central government, business, education, research and voluntary sector interests, agreed on the focus for the strategy. It was adopted in 2007 and is now being implemented by local councils, along with other key partners.
The WRS is a long term strategic vision for the region which identifies three focus areas for sustainable growth. These are leadership and partnerships (governance); growing the region’s economy (managed by Grow Wellington); and good regional form (managed by the WRS Office in collaboration with councils across the region).
Grow Wellington is the regional economic development agency. Launched in February 2008, it is charged with implementing the economic initiatives of the strategy, particularly those relating to investing in growing the regional economy through exports.
The WRS Office works with the councils in the region on the ‘good regional form’ aspects of the strategy. These underpin the economic development focus of the WRS by enhancing the look and feel of the region. The focus has been on projects relating to transport, broadband development, quality urban design and open spaces. These all contribute to creating a world class region and improving our quality of life.
Quality open spaces, well integrated cities and effective transport links, are fundamental to world class cities and regions. By having compact urban form and an integrated network of open spaces, the region will be better placed to ensure its success as an attractive and sustainable region while meeting the needs of the community and visitors.
There are many economic benefits from having a well configured region. For example, there are direct correlations between allowing higher density housing near city centres, having well integrated transport networks and increasing productivity because people spend less time commuting and have more time for work and leisure.
The WRS aims will be achieved by collaborative effort of the private sector, central and local government, and organisations seeking to foster economic development. It is a rallying point for matters requiring a region-wide approach.
