The Waikato Plan Strategic Planners Network, 8 May 2015

Waikato Priorities  Waikato Expressway  $2.2b  Waikato’s RTC’s highest priority for 15 years  What are our next collective priorities

Where does it sit?

Why Waikato Plan? Lack of agreed evidence base Limited mechanisms to articulate regional issues or opportunities of sub-regional or regional significance No framework for regional scale infrastructure investment Lack of Crown engagement as investment partners Over 650 policies, plans, strategies and bylaws Despite this effort, some key indicators are declining

Four key questions 1.What are the ‘big picture’ opportunities and challenges today? 2.What is a realistic and robust vision of the region? 3.What is the preferred strategy to realise the vision? 4.What are the best implementation mechanisms?

Opportunities / Challenges Opportunities for aligned planning and investment Maori economic participation and investment Connectivity to the Upper North Island Declining rural populations and decline in services An aging population and shrinking skill base Economic inequalities across the region Declining water quality and competition for allocation

Auckland’s Growth 165k household in 30y Waikato’s forecasted population growth Greatest forecasted population decline Spatial Illustration of Demographic Challenges NZ’s most aged community

What might we achieve A collective strategic response to demographic change Improve the planning framework Improved engagement with Crown agencies on service delivery Methods for coordination of ‘effort’ going forward – reduceding duplication Investment towards shared high priority regional issues Efficiency savings for NZ Inc and Waikato Ratepayers

Current Approach Strategy Timeline Vision & Goals 30 5 ProgressProgress

Alternate Approach Strategy Timeline Vision & Goals 30 5 ProgressProgress 15 Goals and Actions

Vision 'Waikato Story' vision informs the Waikato Plan vision Lead agency: (WRC) - in partnership with the Joint Committee

Example Goal 1 Goal: To positively respond to demographic change Issues: Aging population Population growth and decline Infrastructure and service delivery Enabling the Maori economy Lead agency: Mayoral Forum with Iwi and central government

Example Goal 2 Goal: To strategically manage and allocate water Issues: Water quality decline Water Use Important economic sectors Lead agency: WRC with Iwi, central government and local authorities

Example Goal 3 Goal: To streamline our planning framework Issues: Making Business Easier Aligned planning Infrastructure and service delivery Lead agency Mayoral Forum with central government, and local authorities

Next steps Mayoral Forum to: 1.Endorse the approach proposed 2.Recommend this approach to the Joint Committee 3.Delivery from project team for 18 th May meeting