Rautaki Whakawhanake Ōhanga ā-Rohe o Waikato Waikato Regional Economic Development Strategy 2026/27–2029/30
The Waikato Regional Economic Development Strategy sets a shared vision and priorities to help partners align their efforts, attract investment and support sustainable economic growth across the region.
What is the Waikato Regional Economic Development Strategy?
The Waikato region's economy is shaped by its natural resources, strategic location, innovative industries and people.
The Waikato Regional Economic Development Strategy provides a shared vision for the region and identifies opportunities to help partners across the Waikato align their efforts and drive sustainable growth.
The strategy takes a flexible, long-term approach, combining evidence, collaboration and coordinated action to help realise the Waikato region’s economic potential over the coming decades.
Waikato's strengths and opportunities
A nationally significant bioeconomy, including world class dairy production, our renewable energy resources, advanced manufacturing, connected towns and cities and strong Māori economic leadership.
These are the unique set of strengths that support the development of investment opportunities for the Waikato region and New Zealand.
Priorities
Six strengths-based priorities have been identified:
- Leverage location advantages.
- Boost bioeconomy productivity.
- Export and advanced manufacturing hub.
- Increase electricity supply.
- Thriving and connected metro areas.
- Partner with iwi Māori.
Our role in regional economic development
Waikato Regional Council plays a leadership and coordination role in the implementation of the Waikato Regional Economic Development Strategy, to help maximise opportunities for those looking to invest in our region. We work alongside iwi, local government, businesses, central government and other partners to provide regional connection, information and insights that support long-term economic success.