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The economy of the Western Bay of Plenty District is underpinned by the agriculture and horticulture industries although it is closely intertwined with that of Tauranga District, which provides most of the sub region’s manufacturing and services. Our District is three times more reliant on horticulture and agriculture for its economic output than New Zealand as a whole. This dependence presents challenges for the District, as well as opportunities.
The Western Bay of Plenty District’s environment, soils and climate are not only attractive for agricultural production but they also act as a magnet for people wishing to enjoy a relaxed outdoor lifestyle, close to the amenities of Tauranga, yet still retaining a rural or small town atmosphere. Between 1996 and 2001, the District’s population growth rate was almost three times the national population growth rate, while the population of Tauranga District grew at more than five times the national average rate. It is not difficult to attract new residents to the Western Bay - the challenge lies in ensuring employment and business opportunities grow at a similar rate, the environment is not adversely affected, and the lifestyle values that attract people to the area are not compromised.
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Smart Economy
In recent years the Western Bay of Plenty has been one of fastest growing regions in New Zealand in terms of economic activity, which has included a significant emphasis on land development and residential construction, growth in the retirement sector such as retirement villages, revival of the horticulture and agriculture sectors, and major growth and expansion of the Port of Tauranga. Concerns arising in existing business activity and the projections are an emphasis on low wage and low skill activities.
The Smart Economy strategy and implementation plan aims to address these issues together with the need to provide additional business land and have sufficient infrastructure in place (eg roading, skilled workers) to cater for the region’s rapid growth.
The Smart Economy project was commissioned by the partnership of Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Priority One, with significant funding provided by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise. It has also involved Environment Bay of Plenty, key industry sectors, iwi businesses and business agencies (eg Chamber of Commerce).
There is a significant relationship between the Smart Economy strategy and SmartGrowth. While SmartGrowth deals with growth management in a comprehensive manner, Smart Economy provides a focus on the sub-regional economy, which is an integral part of successful growth management for the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region. The two strategies go hand in hand and there are several linkages, particularly in the strategies and actions relating to lifestyle and business environment themes.
Development Trends 2008 - (6.2MB PDF)
The level of construction activity in the Western Bay of Plenty subregion has declined over the last 12 months, reflecting a continued slow down in the housing market. The rate of decline is significantly higher than observed during the previous 24 months. Building consents issued for new dwellings fell by 22% over the subregion from the previous year, the results varied slightly between local authority areas (Tauranga City -24%, Western Bay of Plenty District -19%).