Council to consider EDA proposal

Published on 24 October 2024

Waitaki District Councillors will consider the creation of an arms-length Economic Development Agency (EDA) for the Waitaki District at next week’s Council meeting. Three proposals are being considered regarding the future of Economic Development in the District.

The recommended proposal involves repurposing Tourism Waitaki to be an agency focussed on the economic growth of the district in all its aspects, including tourism. It would see existing in-house economic development activity separated from Waitaki District Council’s everyday functions.

It also suggests that the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony (ŌBPC) become its own separate company, still owned by Council on behalf of the community. This would allow it to reinvest its profits in expanding a vital environmental and tourist asset for the District.

Waitaki District Council would like to make it absolutely clear that none of the proposals being considered by Council involve plans for the sale of the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony. Council recognises the environmental importance of the colony and its value to the community. Putting the colony in its own company would enable focused management and investment in this important facility.

Other alternative options for Councillors to consider include bringing the visitor economy promotion in-house with the current Economic Development team in Council and repurposing Tourism Waitaki Ltd as the ŌBPC Council Controlled Organisation. There is also the option of retaining the status quo including Tourism Waitaki Ltd being kept to promote the district to visitors and Economic Development remaining in-house at Council.

The proposals will be considered at the Full Council Meeting on Tuesday October 29. If one of the two change proposals is adopted, there will be consultation before any final decision is made.