23 Jun 2017

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Attracting people, businesses and capital to Canterbury and creating prosperous communities with higher standards of living for everyone is the vision behind the Canterbury Regional Economic Development Strategy (CREDS).

CREDS 2017-19 was launched today by the Canterbury Mayoral Forum.

Lianne Dalziel

Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

“Canterbury, New Zealand’s largest region by land area and second largest by population, generates approximately 12.3 per cent of national Gross Domestic Product and has the potential to generate an even greater share of national prosperity,’’ says Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel, who chairs the Canterbury Mayoral Forum.

“Christchurch, Canterbury and the South Island are tremendously important as a counter balance to the pressures faced by Auckland and the economic resilience of New Zealand. Helping to sustain and grow the region so we continue to succeed are key drivers behind the CREDS 2017-19,’’ Ms Dalziel says.

“CREDS is a key development tool for the region, not just Christchurch City, but also the smaller towns, districts and rural areas of Canterbury. When we work together in strong partnership we can get better results for everyone. The Mayoral Forum has focused on providing leadership, determining regional priorities, allocating responsibility, ensuring the right people are in the room and reflecting on what works to drive these outcomes.’’

The first CREDS was launched by the Mayoral Forum in 2015 to maximise the region’s economic growth and position it for long-term, sustainable growth following the earthquake rebuild. Following local body elections in October 2016, the Forum reviewed and refreshed the strategy with four key objectives for 2017-19:

  • Positioning the Canterbury region for long-term, sustainable prosperity
  • Completing/progressing earthquake recovery and rebuild in greater Christchurch and in North Canterbury
  • Attracting and retaining businesses, capital, skilled workers, students and visitors and
  • Strengthening and capitalising on interdependencies between the Christchurch and Canterbury economies. 

Within CREDS, the Mayoral Forum has agreed seven priority work programmes to achieve its economic and social objectives, with a lead mayor (or mayors) for each work programme. Lead mayors are supported by their colleagues, with groups of councils working together around specific actions.

The seven work programmes are:

  • Integrated regional transport planning and infrastructure investment
  • Digital connectivity (extension and uptake of fast broadband in rural areas)
  • Freshwater management and irrigation infrastructure
  • Value-added production
  • Education and training for a skilled workforce
  • Newcomer and migrant settlement support (skilled workers, cohesive communities)
  • Regional visitor strategy

Find out more at Canterburymayors.org.nz.