Waikato 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.
About the Waikato region
The Waikato region sits in the upper central North Island. It extends from the Coromandel Peninsula to the west coast towns of Kawhia and Raglan, reaching Te Kauwhata in the north to Te Kawa in the south.
At the heart of Waikato lies Hamilton City, one of New Zealand’s fastest growing urban areas and home to 45 per cent of the people living in our region. The remaining population is spread across a blend of coastal and farming communities.
Our population
Our people are as diverse in characteristics as our landscape. We have a growing youth population, particularly in Hamilton City where 41 per cent of people are aged 24 years and younger. In contrast, people aged 65 years and over make up 21 per cent of the Thames/Coromandel District population, which is a desirable retirement location.
Our economy
The Waikato economy is founded on farming, complemented by manufacturing and production. These industries, along with retail, hospitality and business services strongly influence our local labour market.
Agriculture is one of Waikato’s most prominent industries, including dairy, beef, sheep, deer and poultry farming. Over the last 10 years the biggest increase has been in dairy farming, contributing an estimated 20 per cent towards the country’s total export trade.
Innovative practice is leading expansion in New Zealand’s aquaculture industry, centred in the Coromandel, one of our region’s smallest coastal communities.
Expected growth in aquaculture will:
- stimulate work
- provide career pathways
- support our region’s economic growth.
Employment and unemployment
There are about 300,000 working-age people living in the Waikato region, making up nine per cent of New Zealand’s total working-age population.
As at the end of June 2011:
- our labour market participation fell to 67.9 per cent - lower than the national average
- the unemployment rate reached 5.9 per cent - higher than this time last year
- 3,277 people were receiving an Unemployment Benefit and looking for work. Of those:
- one third were aged 24 years and under
- 47 per cent were Māori.
