23 Jun 2017

Govt backs Canterbury efforts to boost growth

3:11 pm on 23 June 2017

The government has thrown its weight behind efforts by Canterbury's mayors to boost economic growth in the region.

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Economic Development Minister, Simon Bridges. Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox

Transport and Economic Development Minister, Simon Bridges, and Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, have announced their backing for the updated Canterbury Regional Economic Development Strategy.

The strategy has been developed by the region's mayoral forum and its aims include attracting and retaining businesses, investment, skilled workers and tourists.

The region's 10 mayors have all agreed to make those priorities for their councils over the next two years.

Mr Bridges also announced just over $2 million in government money to help implement the strategy.

"There's a number of things where local government perhaps couldn't do it by itself but with this funding we'll be able to get in, whether that's tourism strategy...or mapping out the digitalisation of the region - seeing where the gaps are," Mr Bridges said.