Strengthening Your Local Economy

Steve Tollestrup, the Economic Development Portfolio holder for the Waitakere Ranges Local Board, discusses the steps that are being taken to support and revitalise local communities out West.

Far from the accusation of detractors that the incumbent local board is only concerned with habitat and weeds, the current Waitakere Ranges Local Board has been one of the the most proactive in the West to address sustainable and positive economic development.In Glen Eden we have worked closely with the Business Association to support the doubling of their BID (Business Improvement District) membership, providing central office space for the Association and their members and have been regularly in support at their monthly committee meetings. I’d like to think that this attention to Glen Eden economy has played some part in the town’s 7.5% growth in retail spend – a growth exceeding any other comparable town in the West. Looking to the term ahead we have set aside $20,000 to work with the Association to promote Glen Eden as a great place to do business and attract fresh retail and commerce.In Swanson Village we are currently working in partnership with ATEED and local business owners to support business opportunities and readiness as the township prepares for a significant growth in new residents from the new Penehana and Crows Road housing developments currently in progress. This initiative begun in June will carry on in support indefinitely in the new term.In both Glen Eden and Swanson, we are working to a vision of ‘village based’ business centres or precincts that retain and protect the character of these two iconic towns. It is Important to add that in the new term we will be working more closely with Titirangi main street businesses.We are also working to support small scale and home based enterprise in the Waitakere Ranges and rural areas of our Local Board. This is being done through the distribution of our Thrive newsletter available in both email format and hard copy. Thrive provides case studies of inspiring businesses operating in the ranges and rural areas as well as information on supporting resources such as seminars, networking meetings, important business assistance opportunities and online materials. We see smart and sustainable home based businesses as an important and emerging economic model we want to support.Throughout our area we have hosted small business mentoring clinics and these will be extended next term to include two-day business ‘start-up’ workshops as well as other short term morning workshops on topics such as using web based tools for business and social media for promotion.I believe that local Council Contracts should as much as possible be awarded to local contractors and service providers. Over the last year I have been building a case and have started advocating for this sensible policy which I will continue into next term.Last, but certainly not least, we have been committed to supporting youth employment initiatives through licensing, job expos and training. We are also in discussion with a provider for over 24 year olds in need of retraining in skills such as hospitality, forklift driving warehousing etc.Business, economy and employment are not contained exclusively in Local Board boundaries. It is certainly my hope that we see strong progressive boards elected throughout the West - in the Waitakere Ranges, Henderson-Massey and Whau - so that we can cooperate across our broad region where appropriate on common economic projects and concerns.I challenge anyone who thinks this board is not interested in our local business economy. As you can see the reality is much different.Vote Future West, Vote Progressive.

Don't forget to get your postal vote in the mail by October 5th