To grow business to grow the Coast
Development West Coast (DWC) is the regional economic development agency for the West Coast region. DWC's objectives are to promote employment opportunities and generate sustainable economic benefits for the West Coast. We aim to achieve this by investing in businesses and regional development projects that will benefit the West Coast now and in the future.
Achieving our Objective
Since inception, DWC has been involved in, invested and supported numerous projects and businesses throughout the West Coast in an endeavour to promote employment and generate sustainable economic benefits in the West Coast.
West Coast students explore nature-based career opportunities
Students from Westland High, South Westland Area School, Papa Taiao Earth Care, and Te Hono O Nga Waka and John Paul II gathered at Wadeson Island Hokitika for an immersive event aimed at exploring nature-based careers.
Learn moreScholarship recipients in same class
Three Development West Coast (DWC) tertiary scholarship recipients have found themselves sharing a classroom at Lincoln University.
Learn moreWest Coast leads NZ in GDP growth for December quarter
The West Coast economy grew 1.1% over the year to December 2023, outpacing the national average of 0.7%.
Learn moreReefton's population nearly triples with motorhome rally
Over the weekend, Reefton played host to the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association's (NZMCA) National Motorhome Rally, drawing approximately 1,500 attendees in 800 motorhomes and caravans.
Learn moreBumper January for the Coast
Visitor spending on the West Coast in January was 10.3% higher than in January 2023, outperforming the national rate of 6.8%.
Learn moreWest Coast Mayors, Chairs and Iwi ministerial briefing to new government
Regional leaders from West Coast Councils, Iwi and Development West Coast have prepared a ministerial briefing document for the new government outlining several key areas to support the West Coast’s future economic growth.
Learn moreWestport Business Development 1:1 Sessions - 3 April
Book an appointment to meet with DWC's business support team in Westport on 3 April.
Learn moreReefton Business Development 1:1 Sessions - 3 April
Book an appointment to meet with DWC's business support team in Reefton on 3 April.
Learn moreThursday Tech Tasters
Thurs Technology Tasters: Working in partnership with Digital Equity Coalition and Zero Data
Learn moreGreymouth Business Development 1:1 Sessions - 10 April
Book an appointment to meet with DWC's business support team in Greymouth on 10 April.
Learn moreHokitika Business Development 1:1 Sessions - 10 April
Book an appointment to meet with DWC's business support team in Hokitika on 10 April.
Learn moreSouth Westland Business Development 1:1 Sessions - 16, 17 and 18 April
Book an appointment to meet with DWC's business support team in South Westland on 16, 17 and 18 April.
Learn moreCapability building programmes
Co.Starters Business Development Programme
A ten week course designed to help you find the best approach to starting and growing a business.
Learn moreWest Coast leadership programme
A series of workshops delivered by NZIML on the core facets of leadership and management.
Learn moreWest Coast Governance Programme
Governance workshops on the key roles and responsibilities of the board and individual directors.
Learn more