WellingtonNZ making excellent progress implementing Regional Economic Development Plan
The Regional Economic Development Plan has been developed to identify priority areas, initiatives and projects for the next 10 years. This plan has been developed with integration and coordination across multiple organisations.
The ultimate goal is to create more jobs and for Wellington to be more productive, resilient, inclusive, sustainable and support Māori and Pasifika to thrive (PRISM).
Below is an update of the latest initiatives and success stories from the REDP work programme – congratulations to all involved!
Screen Accelerator Project Launches Director onto Global Stage
Above: Accelerator Project’s Jon Kroll and Melissa Conway go behind the scenes with ‘Extreme Cake Sports’ producer Bevin Linkhorn, middle. Read more about this project here.
The 2023 edition of the Screen Accelerator Project in the REDP was completed in October with a total of 18 participants, leading to 12 pitches to potential buyers. Of these, nine received follow-up interest from both domestic and international buyers, and four had interest from multiple platforms. It brought a wide range of producers into the room, seeing them upskill and connect with each other and broaden both their skillsets and networks locally, nationally and globally. The accelerator provides a pathway to put our region and local talent on the stage. Read more about the project here: Screen Accelerator Project.
Climate Response Accelerator
Work is underway through the REDP to promote our CleanTech sector internationally, and to support and upskill CleanTech investors and companies in Wellington. Alongside this, Creative HQ are preparing for a 12-week Climate Response Accelerator to assist entrepreneurs with a focus on impact in addressing some of the most pressing challenges our planet faces. Applications are open until 15 February and more information is available online here: creativehq.co.nz/climate-response-accelerator.
Food Innovation Workshops – 13 & 14 March
WellingtonNZ are running a series of Food Innovation workshops in Lower Hutt, Kapiti and Wairarapa on 13 and 14 March. The workshops aim to help food and beverage businesses, ranging from start-ups and entrepreneurs to established businesses, to be inspired by the journey of other businesses and hear about support available. Please encourage any businesses who might be interested to register online.
A light review of the REDP is underway to ensure the issues, opportunities and initiatives captured within each focus area remain current, and each chapter reflects the latest regional and national data, plans and policies. We will retain the existing overarching regional economic development framework and eight focus areas. We aim to have the updated plan approved by the WRLC in June.
Read about the Regional Economic Development Plan here.