This article reflects on economic development philosophy, including comparisons between the Provincial Growth Fund and European funds based on personal experience. It is written by Ceri Macleod, who is Economic Development Coordinator at Gore District Council.
Social issues stemming from deteriorating housing affordability and a lack of new homes have been key topics of debate over recent years. Census 2018 helps show where in New Zealand household occupancy rates have deteriorated the most since 2013.
Business confidence has fallen to its lowest level in a decade. The irony is that the Reserve Bank’s August OCR cut, which was much bigger than market expectations, has spooked businesses rather than boosted them as had been intended.
Jetstar’s withdrawal from the regional market is a blow not just for consumers, but also economic and social development in the provinces.