Launch of the Government’s 2014 Regional Economic Activity Report: At the Marine Station from left, Professor Chris Battershill, Hon Steven Joyce, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Alister Jones, and Faculty of Science and Engineering Dean Professor Bruce Clarkson.
The University’s Coastal Marine Field Station hosted last week’s official launch of the Government’s 2014 Regional Economic Activity Report, and announcement of a Regional Growth Study for the wider Bay of Plenty area.
Health Minister Tony Ryall launched the report on behalf of Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce whose arrival was delayed.
The report, produced by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, brings together economic data on New Zealand’s 16 regions. It also identifies specific initiatives under way in each region through the Government’s Business Growth Agenda.
Launch of interactive website
As part of yesterday’s proceedings, an interactive website was also launched containing information on 66 sub-regional areas, which was developed to complement the report. The information can be accessed on the go, through a download for tablets.
More than 50 local industry representatives attended the launch at the Marine Station. Minister Joyce, who is also Minister for Science and Innovation and Tertiary Education, took a guided tour of the Marine Station and the House of Science, while talking with guests, staff and University postgraduate students.