East Coast Regional Plan 2010-2012
This plan outlines the priorities for our region and what we are doing to address them. Our focus is on helping individuals and families in our communities achieve better outcomes.
The priorities for 2010 - 2012 are:
- more people get into work and stay in work
- more children are safe
- more young people stay on track
- reduced reoffending by young people
- improved quality of life for older people
- communities are better able to support themselves.
This plan highlights both national and regional initiatives that aim to improve the lives of the people in our region and across New Zealand.
Our economy
The East Coast region is known for great weather, stunning coastal scenery, arts, culture, wine and food.
The region’s superb climate fuels its primary industries of horticulture, viticulture and agriculture, all of which employ a significant seasonal workforce. Hawke’s Bay is dubbed the fruit bowl of New Zealand, and is the country’s largest producer of apples.
Our population
There are 192,282 people living in the region. The region’s Māori population is higher than the national average. Nearly half of the Gisborne population are Māori.
Gisborne is also home to many young people, with 34 per cent of its population aged under 20-years-old. At the end of June 2011, 2,968 East Coast people were receiving unemployment assistance, and nearly 24 per cent of those were aged 18 - 24 years.
Thirteen per cent of our population is aged 65 and older, and numbers are projected to rise over the next 20 years.
The East Coast region is a mix of rural and urban communities, and some people have to travel long distances to get the support and services they require.
