REDP Implementation Activity Update for July 2024

The Regional Economic Development Plan (REDP) exists to guide the long-term direction of the economy and will help drive high-impact economic initiatives over the next 10 years.

It’s about future-proofing the region and making sure it thrives economically, ensuring that our region is a great place for everyone to live, including our Māori and Pasifika communities, and it’s also about improving wellbeing and the quality of life.

WellingtonNZ and initiative leads are continuing to progress implementation of the initiatives in the Regional Economic Development Plan (REDP) on behalf of the WRLC. Recent initiative highlights and upcoming opportunities include:

• The REDP refresh – has been approved by the WRLC and will go live on the WellingtonNZ website on 6 August once finalised. This is a key milestone update for the WRLC and the REDP and we look forward to working to implement the current and new initiatives in the REDP.
• WellingtonNZ have partnered with Milky-Way.Kiwi Ltd to deliver a dark skies business capability programme in the Wairarapa. The programme began on 18 July and is supporting businesses interested in developing technical and commercial astro-tourism skills to add the Dark Sky Reserve to their offerings. The programme is fully booked, with over 20 businesses participating in three sessions, receiving tailored advice at their preferred site.

• Councils and organisations across the region are encouraged to take on Summer of Tech and Engineering intern this summer. Employer meet & greet events begin soon, and there are fewer roles than candidates. The programme is an investment in building our future workforce. Read more about the value interns offer and contact the team here.

• Planning continues for school-based REDP skills initiatives for 2025. These initiatives provide early exposure to education and careers in REDP focus sectors. WellingtonNZ are keen to hear from any businesses or organisations interested in sponsorship opportunities that will make an impact on keeping these initiatives running. The team can connect you with skills initiatives seeking sponsorships starting anywhere from $300, or even through donating surplus laptops and monitors your organisation no longer needs, to be used as part of a digital education programme.

• Creative HQ continue to scale-up their start-up programme offerings. Opportunities to promote to your local start-ups and businesses include:
• The next Startup Session, at 5:30pm on Wednesday 7 August is a must-attend for founders and growth leaders. Anna Guenther, co-founder of PledgeMe, will chat about startups that have successfully raised funds through crowdfunding – and how you can activate your crowd too. Attend in person or online for free – register here.
• Fintechs of the Future is being held at 5pm on Thursday 8 August. ​A panel will reflect on FinTechs of the Future including what they will solve, where they will emerge and how they will differentiate themselves in the changing landscape for startups and financial services. ​With Wellington success stories – Sharesies and Hnry – joining Creative HQ and Airwallex on the panel, the topic is designed to provide universal insights for the startup ecosystem. Register for free here.
• ‘On the Business’ workshops are now available online. Get the dedicated time and resources you need to take your startup to the next level with these small group sessions. You’ll be guided by expert coaches with tools, frameworks and hands-on support. Complimentary spots are available for new startups or founders. Find out more and register here.

Above: Anna Guenther, CEO of PledgeMe will be talking about capital raising at Creative HQ’s next Startup Session