Paula Thompson BOP Regional Councillor www.envbop.govt.nz

Regionalisation is a word likely to become more talked of during the next little while. New Zealand was founded on a strong regional approach, you only have to look at sport to see how regionally allied Kiwis are.

My take on what the new term regionalisation means is central government will be expecting there to be more coordinated, integrated planning on a regional basis for delivering environmental, economic, social and cultural success for all within the regions of New Zealand.

The government's National Infrastructure plan says as much. For example; 'We want to work with regions to develop more strategic infrastructure planning for things like transport, water, energy, telecommunications and” – interestingly – 'social infrastructure”.

The government has also been moving to give more mandatory direction through National Policy Statements on things like regional fresh water management, coastal and foreshore management and renewable energy. As they say, all roads point to Rome – and what it's really about is trying to get councils, other public bodies, iwi and community, to work together on planning how to make regions lift their game environmentally, economically and socially.

The government has a key focus to increase New Zealand's productivity. To do that, regions are expected to work to see how they can further enable and leverage their resources and advantages to boost productivity, whilst also ensuring the environment is protected and enhanced and community, social and cultural fabric is nurtured.

What this doesn't necessarily mean, is there will be changes to the current shape and form of local government in this region. The structure of local government will be something to ponder once regional planning by all involved gives clarity for sustainable direction.

It also doesn't mean this will be all done by the regional council. To be successful, this has to be a truly collaborative exercise and one driven from a core value of doing what's right for this region's environment, economies and communities – now and for the future.

A regional plan would provide a blueprint for environmental management, natural resource management, infrastructure, economic opportunities and key social infrastructure. Much of the information already exists – some will have to be further developed, but it's about a grand plan for the region, which links the sub regions together in a constructive way.

It is our plan – and it should be done before we find we are disadvantaged because we don't have a coordinated plan for sustainable growth. Subregions don't and can't live in isolation. Even the mighty Auckland recognises the inter dependencies it has with other ‘feeder' regions – ditto for the Western, Eastern sub regions of the Bay and Rotorua.

Regional planning enables connection with government agendas and gives a ‘locally owned' blue print for a cohesive coordinated approach to growth, sustainability and prosperity in the widest sense of the word. It makes no sense to not adopt this approach. Just look at the powerhouse to our North in the giant Auckland Council – which is able to command attention and resources because it presents a unified plan for sustainable growth and seems now to be able to move with speed on matters it deems important, despite its size.

At a recent regional council workshop, we considered a report prepared by Berl Economics which included the following:
'In 2010 the BOP region's population accounted for six per cent of New Zealand's population. The region generated five per cent of New Zealand's GDP and accounted for six per cent of New Zealand's employment.”

My take on the report and other information is – that's okay, but it won't be good enough to sustain better than average growth and particularly employment going forward.

It is, in my opinion, absolutely the right time to set about creating the best possible plan for this region. The regional council can play a role in resourcing and inputting the effort, but it should be a plan for all.

Please feel free to contact me to discuss any regional council matter phone 0272222419 or email paulathompson@xtra.co.nz