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Four projects included in the 2017 West Coast Economic Development Action Plan have secured feasibility funding $350,000 - $175,000 each from DWC and central government.
The projects are:
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Business case for Oparara Arches development;
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Feasibility study for upgrade of Croesus Road, Blackball (access to Paparoa Track Great Walk / Pike 29 Memorial Trail);
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Business case for Kawatiri Coastal Trail; and
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Feasibility study for social enterprise pilot programme at Karamea;
A range of agencies, including DWC, Department of Conservation, NZTA, local Iwi, councils and community organisations with work and collaborate on these projects, which all offer the potential for exciting new opportunities for the wider region.
Early success with the Co.Starters programme run in Buller has inspired DWC to secure the licence for the programme and roll out other Co.Starter courses in Westland and Grey.
Co.Starters is a nine week programme aimed at providing budding entrepreneurs with new skills to help them turn their ideas into action and thriving endeavours. Originally starting in America, Co.Starters was brought to New Zealand in 2015 and is now in seven areas around the country.
Last year 36 participants graduated from the Buller programme with phenomenal results – 11 new businesses were established, 16 new full time equivalent positions created, and the participating businesses collectively attracted over $150,000 in start-up funding.
A Co.Starters course recently finished in Westport which involved 15 enthusiastic participants. They were supported by facilitators Eamon Ginley and Natasha Barnes-Dellaca, along with weekly talks from local speakers who shared their own experiences in business with the group.
The Westport participants finished on a high, pitching their businesses to a gathering of 60 people. Their first alumni meet-up will be held on 6 December at EPIC Westport with all past Co.Starter participants welcome. To attend please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Hokitika cohort, run by WestREAP, will be holding its celebration night on the 30th November.
The next round of Co.Starters is looking to get underway early in 2018. If you would like to register your interest, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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| Mahinapua Creek Boardwalk & Riders at Paroa Bush. Photo source: Jason Blair / Katabatic | ||||
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Travellers from Auckland are proving to be the most prolific visitors to the West Coast Wilderness Trail - one of the leading rides in the Nga Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails Great Rides network. The trail is one of the many successful ventures supported by DWC, which has provided over $3 million towards its construction. Statistics collected by the West Coast Wilderness Trail Trust show rider numbers are already approaching 10,000 with 94% of these people visiting the West Coast solely because of the trail. Data shows that the majority of the riders are new visitors, aged over 50 who stay in the region on average 3 to 4 nights spending around $200 each per day. The trail has been a major catalyst for the revival of Kumara township, with the restoration of the 1876 award winning Theatre Royal Hotel, and historic cottages and buildings that have been converted into a range of both quality and backpacker accommodation. Four additional business ventures, including shuttle services, scenic waterway attractions, accommodation at Ross and a depot providing booking services and 70 hire bikes, have been developed with investment of over $7 million. This growth has led to the creation of over 30 direct full and part-time jobs in management, hospitality and services. The Wilderness Trail is currently being featured by Tourism New Zealand as one of just three cycle trails in their international marketing campaigns this year. The promising growth of the trail’s success and popularity is a positive indicator, with growth in rider numbers, business opportunities and employment expected to continue, along with the ongoing benefits that this brings to the West Coast economy.
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The new Labour Government has singled out the West Coast as an early recipient of funds from the newly created $1b regional economic development fund.
The content and character of the fund will not be known in detail until the new year, but Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says the first four regions to benefit will be the West Coast, along with Northland, Wanganui-Manawatu and part of the East Cape.
In announcing the fund, Mr Jones said it would allow Government to “step up to the plate and provide public-good funding”.
DWC chief executive Chris Mackenzie says the opportunities the fund will bring will be welcomed by the region.
“The Government has recognised what is on offer here on the Coast, and clearly wants to play its part in galvanising our economy. We are excited to see what that will mean for the region and we aim to play a key role in directing and supporting the Government in this process.”
As the new Chair of DWC, I’m honoured to be taking up the mantle from John Sturgeon.
Being part of this organisation’s governance body for the past nine months has given me a greater insight into the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for our region, and I am particularly looking forward to the work DWC will be doing in the coming years to further the intentions outlined in the Economic Development Action Plan. The plan is an excellent blueprint for West Coast businesses, industries and our numerous communities, and it will ensure that we collectively continue to build on our existing successes.
I’ve had first-hand experience as a DWC “client” through completing the 2014/15 Leadership and Governance Programme, so I know what a valuable asset this organisation is for our region.
There is a dedicated and professional team of staff and Trustees at DWC, who are working hard to ensure there are opportunities available for West Coasters to build on their knowledge and skills, and to work together to benefit our region, and I would encourage you to take a look at what is on offer through the dwc.org.nz website, or call in to the Greymouth office.
Renee Rooney
Chair