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Kaipara District Council is investing $100,000 over two years to stimulate economic investment, and next month the project will launch a standalone website to show the world that Kaipara is open for business.
Economic development consultant Paul Thompson, who joined council in a part-time advisory role early last year, says the website will be a shop front for anyone interested in visiting, living, working or investing in Kaipara.
“It will feature business resources, investment opportunities, local success stories and regional data, along with information for people looking to relocate or establish ventures here,” he says. “It will act as a central hub to support economic development across the whole district.”
Thompson says the economic development role is new for Kaipara and two of his early tasks were to write an Economic Development Strategy and appoint an advisory group representing iwi, community and business.
The strategy was released last August, and the members of the advisory group are Stephen Owles (Bayleys Real Estate, Mangawhai), Sharon George (Dargaville businesswoman), Ian Margan (Mangawhai businessman), Snow Tane (Te Roroa Development Company general manager) and Ebony Paul (Ministry of Social Development).
“The Brethren Church is a dominant force in the business world in Kaipara and we would have liked to have had a representative from the church on board, but council meets with them quarterly to keep them abreast of the project and get their feedback,” Thompson says.
Several potential business opportunities have already been identified including golf tourism, cycling and trails, and film industry development.
Thompson says advisory group members questioned the heavy tourism focus in the Economic Development Strategy and suggested including a stronger primary industry focus on industries such as forestry, fisheries, dairy, beef and mushrooms, and this is being explored.
He says the golf tourism initiative will form part of the Northland Golf Tourism Development Strategy aimed at making the north a premier golfing destination. The cycling and trails strategy involves improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists on Kaipara’s road, better signage and the engagement of local business to enhance visitor experiences.
Thompson says Kaipara is an attractive location for film companies, but council currently has no formal process for handling inquiries so is missing out on a revenue stream.
He says a recent example was Greenstone TV, which was filming at Picnic Cove in Mangawhai.
“Although they had iwi consent, they had not approached council. We plan to formalise an online process to simplify the permitting process and promote Kaipara as a premier film destination.”
With a background in advertising, marketing, business mentoring and economic development, Thompson is also keen to attract high net individuals from overseas who are looking for a lifestyle change.
“This will shine a light on the under-investment in infrastructure dating back years, but as growth continues, we will catch-up.”
An entrepreneurial hub is also high on the agenda, modelled on Impact Hub, to both start and support new businesses with training and advice across a myriad of topics from health and safety to marketing.
