Who's Involved

Bay of Connections is the regional growth strategy for the wider Bay of Plenty, with a vision of creating a prosperous region supported by sustainable sectors.

It is simple and aspirational, with the aim of establishing and implementing sector-based strategies that generate job growth.

At the heart of the strategy are the philosophies of collaboration and connectedness. Through working together and connecting the right people, places, businesses, organisation and industries, the benefits from within and into the region are boundless.

Bay of Connections covers 34,000 square kilometres of land and sea and includes the wider Bay of Plenty, Taupō, Rotorua, and Western and Eastern Bay of Plenty. Bay of Connections also has strong links into the Waikato.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council's work guides and supports the sustainable development of the Bay of Plenty to ensure sure our region grows and develops in a way that keeps its values safe for future generations.

A major focus of the Council’s work involves looking after the environment. They manage the effects of people's use of freshwater, land, air and coastal water. However, they also have a broader responsibility with others for the economic, social and cultural well-being of the regional community.

Kawerau District Council recognises that the town’s industrial base is its foundation, and supports its expansion. To this end the Council has an operative District Plan which, subject to appropriate controls to limit adverse environmental effects, enables industrial development.

Economic development supports the local community by contributing to the wellbeing and prosperity of residents, business, industry and local government. Enhancing the District’s quality of life for all residents is the cornerstone of the Council’s economic development strategy.

Council is committed to working with the community to meet the challenge of expanding the industry base, increasing local job growth and maintaining its position as a unique and important contributor to the wider region and New Zealand.

MBIE's purpose is to grow the New Zealand economy to provide a better standard of living for all New Zealanders.

MBIE does this by working with others to help businesses to be more competitive, improving job opportunities and by ensuring quality housing is more affordable. 

NZTE is New Zealand's international business development agency whose role is to help New Zealand businesses grow bigger, better and faster in international markets.  

NZTE has 10 offices in New Zealand, staff in 36 locations around the world and aligns its services with different stages of a business lifecycle - from starting and growing a business, through to exporting and operating internationally.

NZTE works in partnership with New Zealand businesses helping to build strategic alliances and develop commercial relationships by sharing knowledge, experience and networks, and helping to address the scale and distance issues faced by New Zealand exporters.  

NZ Transport Agency’s purpose is to deliver transport solutions for a thriving NZ on behalf of the Government.

NZTA’s purpose it to create transport solutions for a thriving New Zealand.   They do this by

Managing almost 11,000kms of state highway;

• Funding local roads and transport;
• Managing driver testing, licensing and vehicle regulation;
• Running advertising and education programmes to keep transport safe;
• Funding land transport research.