The Taupō and Rotorua regions have jointly submitted a proposal to the government's Regional Deals initiative, focusing on environmental and economic sustainability. Led by their respective economic development agencies and councils, the proposal aims to attract investment, create jobs, and enhance industry resilience without direct government funding. Instead, it seeks regulatory relief and policy changes to support long-term economic development. Key focus areas include value-added wood processing, attracting high-value tourism projects, expanding renewable energy production, upgrading infrastructure, and strengthening supply chains. Taupō Mayor David Trewavas emphasised the logic of the two economic hubs working together to build on shared strengths in tourism, energy, and the primary sector. The government plans to complete the first regional deal by late 2025, with subsequent deals to follow.
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Sustainability, both economic and environmental, are at the heart of a joint proposal from Taupō and Rotorua to central government's Regional Deals initiative.
If taken up, it could enhance the Rotorua-Taupō region's ability to attract investment, create jobs, and enhance industry resilience, say its backers - Rotorua's economic development agency RotoruaNZ, Taupō's economic development agency Amplify, Rotorua Lakes Council, Taupō District Council, and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
The region contributes more than $7 billion annually to New Zealand's GDP.
