Takitini is the new economic development brand for Waikato District Council.
Waikato District Council chief executive Craig Hobbs introduces the new brand. Photo: Craig Brown
It was launched recently and symbolises the district’s connection to navigating waka (canoe) and the lifeforce of the Waikato and Waipā rivers.
They are central to the community’s vitality, economic and community-led development manager Julie Dolan says.
The council has worked in partnership with Waikato-Tainui to develop a brand that reflects the evolution of the economic opportunities in the district and the significance of the area to the Waikato people and mana whenua.
Waikato District Council economic development unit Emma Rankin, Southern Economic Development Advisor, Bethany Shepherd Northern Economic Development Advisor, Julie Dolan Economic and Community Led Development Manager. Photo: Craig Brown
Meanwhile Waipā’s economic wellbeing strategy was approved for consultation by the Strategic Planning and Policy committee on Tuesday in Te Awamutu.
The strategy signals a new direction for the council, Economic Development advisor Joy Mickelson told the committee.
It was drafted following consultation on the council’s spatial plan Ahu Ake and focuses on economic development.
It will cost $30,000 to develop the plan which includes engagement, design and publication of the strategy.
“A range of data including housing, population, and industry sectors, tell us we can expect to see continued population growth in our towns and villages; continuing demand for industrial land; increasing impacts from climate change and changes in farming and land use practices; and a desire to entwine culture and art in the public realm as both an expression of our communities and to create destinations,” said Mickelson.
Feedback received from elected members at a February workshop have been included in the strategy which now goes to the public.
At Waikato District Council’s Takitini launch, from left: Waipā Economic Development advisor Joy Mickelson, Waikato Regional Council chair Pamela Storey and Waikato District Council Community and Business sustainability manager Kim Parker. Photo: Craig Brown.
