Waimakariri Economic Development Strategy

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Consultation has concluded

With the support of Enterprise North Canterbury (ENC) Council has developed a refreshed Waimakariri Economic Development Strategy to provide a framework that guides the Council’s and ENC’s efforts and activities in supporting local economic growth over the next ten years with the aid of anticipated delivery partners in critical areas.

While the economic focus of the previous Strategy (and ten-year period) was in part a response to earthquake recovery, the next ten years will see an emphasis placed on climate change adaptation. This includes undertaking actions that support our businesses, industries, and wider economy transition to a low-emissions future.

The draft Strategy was developed in close consultation with Council’s economic development agency ENC. Its key directions were informed through the contribution of ENC, elected members and key Council staff, business sector representatives, developers, the Promotions Associations and other relevant stakeholders.

Its vision is a ‘thriving, progressive and environmentally responsible economy that underpins a desirable local lifestyle’.

It includes five major theme areas which support thirteen key direction setting priorities.

Key Themes and Priorities:

  • Sustainable Future
  • Connected Communities
  • Business Responsiveness
  • Liveable Places and Spaces
  • Investment Attraction

We know that a large part of the welfare of our communities relies on the health of our local economy, and the draft Strategy acknowledges through its key directions the critical nature of the economy in helping to sustain healthy, vibrant and prosperous communities.

For more information on the Key Themes and Priorities please see the news feed below.

Please provide your feedback by Monday 2 October.

With the support of Enterprise North Canterbury (ENC) Council has developed a refreshed Waimakariri Economic Development Strategy to provide a framework that guides the Council’s and ENC’s efforts and activities in supporting local economic growth over the next ten years with the aid of anticipated delivery partners in critical areas.

While the economic focus of the previous Strategy (and ten-year period) was in part a response to earthquake recovery, the next ten years will see an emphasis placed on climate change adaptation. This includes undertaking actions that support our businesses, industries, and wider economy transition to a low-emissions future.

The draft Strategy was developed in close consultation with Council’s economic development agency ENC. Its key directions were informed through the contribution of ENC, elected members and key Council staff, business sector representatives, developers, the Promotions Associations and other relevant stakeholders.

Its vision is a ‘thriving, progressive and environmentally responsible economy that underpins a desirable local lifestyle’.

It includes five major theme areas which support thirteen key direction setting priorities.

Key Themes and Priorities:

  • Sustainable Future
  • Connected Communities
  • Business Responsiveness
  • Liveable Places and Spaces
  • Investment Attraction

We know that a large part of the welfare of our communities relies on the health of our local economy, and the draft Strategy acknowledges through its key directions the critical nature of the economy in helping to sustain healthy, vibrant and prosperous communities.

For more information on the Key Themes and Priorities please see the news feed below.

Please provide your feedback by Monday 2 October.

  • Key Questions

    The welfare of our communities relies heavily on the health of our local economy, its ability to withstand external shocks and continue to provide meaningful work for people and to create prosperity for our communities.

    Our draft Strategy identifies the roles that both the Waimakariri District Council and Enterprise North Canterbury can play in helping our businesses navigate future challenging times, to ensure the economic potential of our district, the future health of our critical industries - agriculture, manufacturing, and population/demand-driven businesses - and the wellbeing of our residents.

    While almost all industries and businesses will be affected either directly or indirectly by climate change, some (like agriculture) are much more vulnerable to its effects. 

    Alongside the usual support we offer to foster businesses in the district, we recognise that in some critical areas such as environmental sustainability and climate change, both Council and ENC must take a more active role in providing information for local business, fostering ideas, supporting innovation, and leading change. The Waimakariri Economic Development Strategy guides our efforts in these areas and others, outlining our future priorities and actions.

    We want to hear your feedback on the draft Strategy to ensure we have got the balance right in:


    1. Considering the impact on Climate Change and other external stressors on our critical industries and wider economy.
    2. Determining whether we have responded appropriately to our local opportunities and challenges.
    3. Appropriately identified the level of support that our industries and businesses might need. 


    We would be grateful if you could take 10-15mins to answer the following questions, which will help us refine the Strategy as a framework to guide both Council’s and ENC’s efforts over the next ten years. Please keep this document open for reference as you complete the survey.

    Consultation has concluded
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