New Waikato Regional Economic Development Strategy adopted

A new strategy to guide Waikato’s economic future has been adopted, setting a clear direction to grow jobs, lift incomes and strengthen the region’s long-term prosperity.

The Waikato Regional Economic Development Strategy 2026/27–2029/30 builds on the region’s strong foundations – its natural resources, central location, diverse industries and people – to unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable growth. 

Waikato is already one of New Zealand’s key economic regions, contributing around $38.8 billion to GDP (9% of the national economy) and supporting a working-age population of 422,000.   

The strategy recognises this momentum and sets out how the region can build on it, growing faster, smarter and more inclusively.

The strategy focuses on six interconnected priorities that leverage Waikato’s strengths and position it for the future:

• leverage location advantages to capture more value from freight, logistics and national connectivity
• boost bioeconomy productivity through innovation, technology and sustainable resource use
• increase electricity supply and support electrification and new energy-based industries
• grow export and advanced manufacturing into higher-value products and markets
• develop a thriving, connected metro area and towns, anchored by Hamilton
• strengthen partnerships with Waikato Māori to support shared prosperity.

Waikato Regional Council Chair Warren Maher said the strategy reflects both the region’s strengths and its ambition for the future.

“Waikato already plays a critical role in New Zealand’s economy, and this strategy is about building on those strengths to create more opportunities for our people and businesses.

“We have world-class natural resources, a strong and diverse economy, and an incredible location at the heart of the upper North Island. This strategy helps us better connect those advantages and turn them into higher productivity, better jobs and stronger communities.

“Importantly, it is a partnership approach. Success will come from iwi, councils, business and communities working together with a shared direction and clear priorities,” Cr Maher said.

The June council meeting was livestreamed and recorded. See it online at youtube.com/live/9aXXoHlooMI?feature=share