Development West Coast

Welcome to Development West Coast - driving economic development and benefiting our region through business, investment, education and regional support

The West Coast of the Southern Alps is a great place to live, work and invest - our job is to make it even better.

Economic Trends say the West Coast Region is the place to be!

According to the latest economic indicators the West Coast region is "holding up better than most". Reports indicate that consumer confidence is higher than most other regions. The West Coast topped the regional economic year-on-year growth as recorded by National Bank trends in December 2008. See how we compare by accessing these up to date reports through the links below:

Regional Economic Development

Our development programmes are helping increase economic and business performance, grow domestic and international tourism, enhance educational achievement and build capability within industry and businesses.

Economic development programmes include working with regional stakeholders such as local authorities, industry, business, community and iwi.

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E4E Stepping Outside the Square

After recent meetings with local organisations the E4E team has 18 pages of new ideas. These are potential ideas for real business and community projects in conjunction with West Coast school students. The collaboration between Development West Coast, schools and local business is a great example of how groups working together can achieve goals for the betterment of the community.

Business Finance

If you're starting or expanding a business, we may be able to help. Check out our range of finance options for businesses.

© Equip Services - Hydraulic Press/Guillotine

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Latest Economic Indicator Reports Show Positive Scores for West Coast Districts

West Coast Districts were among the high performers in the latest BERL Regional Indicators report. Both Buller and Greymouth Districts scored highly for Value Added GDP, GDP per capita and labour productivity. Grey District was included as one of this year's big movers in the rankings. They moved up to 11^th ranking from 59^th last year. Download the report here.

For more information on the rankings go to the Berl economics site www.berl.co.nz

Major District Initiative (MDI)

Up to $400,000 is available annually to the three West Coast District Councils for approved MDI projects. Eligible projects include sport and recreational facilities and buildings, community halls, theatres, museums and art galleries.

Find out about our MDI funding policy and current MDI projects.