9. Future Roles for Community, Local, and Central Government in Southland Economic Development
District Council
The Southland District Council is committed to encouraging economic development and will continue supporting initiatives such as Crops for Southland, Topoclimate and tourism. The SDC considers it has the track record in economic development to be seen as the key agency for delivery of economic development initiatives. They would welcome partnership with central government in the areas of feasibility study, research and development, and technical assistance.
Community Role
Further investment of money, time and effort into economic development by individuals.
Central Government
The individuals and groups behind the initiatives discussed in this paper would welcome greater central government involvement in their projects. They believe the Government could play a partnership role with community groups in facilitating new initiatives. It was stressed, however, that the initiatives must come from local communities rather than from central government. Communities need to identify the initiatives required for their communities if there is to be strong local support for projects.
It was suggested that the procedures for applying to funding agencies such as PGSF and Agmardt should be simplified, as the current frameworks deter many individuals and groups.
Leadership could be strengthened through a systematic strategy delivered by existing groups and funded in partnership by central government. The objectives would be to build capacity in communities and bring though emerging leaders, as well as supporting those who already have leadership roles.
Currently the Community Trust has investment and grant functions. Grants go to non-profit organisations. Investments are in off-shore investments, local share market and deposits, as well as some Southland investments. The Trust is looking to invest more in Southland. A legislative change to the Act, under which the Community Trust is administered, would be needed to enable community benefit to be taken into account when planning investments. The Southland Community Trust is one of the few Trusts in New Zealand to have a significant role in economic development, and welcomes the new Government's policies to re-enter this area.
Groups in Southland have also been calling for investigation into the development of seabed resources, such as kina.
Currently the Invercargill Licensing Trust has a monopoly on the development of licensed premises and associated accommodation in the Invercargill area. Some think a change in the Licensing Trust Legislation is needed if investment in hotels is to be encouraged. Currently a waiving of the Trust's liquor monopoly is being investigated.
If the Crops for Southland initiatives succeed there will be a large increase in seasonal workers as well as permanent employees. With large numbers of new workers coming into the district there will be a role for central government in the provision of additional social services.
All future land use developments need to have sustainability as a basic tenet. Stakeholder government agencies will need to work with SDC and Regional Council to keep sustainability issues to the fore.
| © MAF 2000 | ||
| MAFnet Help | Important Disclaimer |
Contact for Enquiries
Rural Affairs Coordinator
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0675
Fax: +64 4 4 894 0745
Contact this person
