Tairāwhiti regional leaders have released the first Annual Progress Report for Whakakitenga – the Tairāwhiti Economic Plan, showing strong momentum across projects aimed at lifting incomes, strengthening industries and building long-term resilience.
While the report acknowledges the region’s current challenges, with GDP at 0.7% of the national economy and wages at 86% of the national average, it also outlines meaningful progress across the plan’s eleven priority areas.
Key highlights this year:
- Maximise land potential: Regional guidelines and business case released to support transitioning erodible land into permanent vegetation cover.
- Circular economy: Preliminary work on an anaerobic digester, and a new Resource Recovery Centre.
- Sustainable timber practices: Wood pellet plant development proposed, and export containerisation supported with a $5m government grant.
- Amplify business growth: 200+ businesses supported through the Regional Business Partner Programme, and City Centre revitalisation programme underway.
- Homes: 150 homes scoped and 21 delivered under the Toitu Tairāwhiti housing programme.
- Destination: Engagement with cruise lines to attract more ships to Gisborne, and a regional rebrand business case completed.
- Technology economy: Aerospace sector development, and AI workshops delivered to 100 businesses.
- Water: Multiple feasibility studies underway, including aquifer recharge and high-value horticulture projects.
- Energy: Solar and wind projects progressing; solar panel systems installed at 22 marae.
The plan is being led by the Tairāwhiti Economic Strategy Steering Group, comprising chief executives from Trust Tairāwhiti, Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Porou, Tāmanuhiri Tūtū Poroporo Trust, Gisborne District Council and Gisborne Holdings.
“We’re working to strengthen the sectors where Tairāwhiti has natural advantages, while also expanding into new areas to diversify the economy. This is the start of a long-term transformation, and we’re pleased to see strong progress in year one,” says Steering Group spokesperson and Trust Tairāwhiti Chief Executive Doug Jones.
“The first year shows what’s possible when iwi, local government and the private sector work towards a shared vision and purpose to create economic prosperity. We’re building the foundations for a more resilient and higher-value economy.”
The coming year’s actions will focus on securing investment, finalising business cases, and advancing construction-ready projects across land use, water infrastructure, energy and housing.
The full report is available here.