Council Seeks Community Input on Draft Economic Development Strategy

At the meeting held on 24 September 2025, Council approved a draft Central Otago Economic Development Strategy 2025–2035 for community engagement, and will soon invite feedback from residents, businesses and stakeholders across the district. The strategy sets out a 10-year pathway to lift economic prosperity in Central Otago, with the overarching goal of raising the district’s average wage to meet the national average by 2035.

Currently, Central Otago's average wage income sits at $66,867 compared to the national average of $78,731. Over the last decade, the district’s average income has been gradually increasing, and the strategy aims to accelerate this growth to close the remaining gap.

"This strategy is about lifting our community's standard of living through economic growth that aligns with our values," Economic Development Manager Nick Lanham said. "We want to create economic opportunities that increase incomes and provide the resources our residents need for a healthy quality of life."

The strategy's vision centres on "Increased Economic Prosperity: A thriving Central Otago where increasing incomes, sustainable growth and shared prosperity are driven by innovation, investment, and the adoption of new technologies."

The 10-year strategy is built around four key pillars:

• Fostering Sustainable Growth and Innovation – Encouraging industries and initiatives that drive economic growth while protecting the environment and enhancing innovation and resilience
• Building Thriving and Inclusive Communities – Supporting resilient communities with access to quality housing, healthcare, childcare, and public spaces that foster belonging and vibrancy
• Enabling Connected and Resilient Infrastructure – Investing in future-ready infrastructure that enhances transport, digital connectivity, and economic productivity
• Partnership and Collaboration – Strengthening partnerships with mana whenua, regional businesses and organisations, and national stakeholders to drive sustainable growth and shared success.

The draft strategy builds on extensive community engagement conducted in August and September 2024, which included 11 workshops across the district and an online survey that received over 200 responses. Workshops were held in Alexandra, Cromwell, Omakau, Ranfurly, and Roxburgh, along with industry-focused sessions covering construction, horticulture and viticulture, professional services, agriculture, tourism, hospitality, and retail. Engagement with mana whenua and Aukaha has also been undertaken and is ongoing.

"Economic development is a community-driven process, and we want to ensure this strategy reflects the aspirations and needs of all Central Otago residents," Mr Lanham said.

The draft strategy aligns with Central Otago's 50-year District Vision and is designed to work alongside the district's existing plans and strategies.

Following upcoming community engagement, a final version of the strategy will be presented to Council for approval. Once adopted, annual work plans will identify key focus projects, with six-monthly progress reports to track implementation.

Council encourages all residents, businesses and community groups to review the draft strategy and share their feedback when consultation opens in October to help shape the economic future of the district.

The draft strategy can be found HERE

Consultation information will be available on Let’s Talk in October.