The Gore District Council has this week announced a major economic summit that will bring together business and community representatives to share key opportunities and challenges facing the District.
The Gore Summit will be held on Wednesday 1 November at the Heartland Hotel Croydon.
Gore District Mayor Tracy Hicks says the Summit was necessary and timely as the District continues to benefit from a strong economy, boosted by major investments and strength in the primary sector.
“As a Council we recognise the issues some of our sectors face, which contrasts with the successes of others. Our goal is to encourage shared understanding and strategy that leverages the strength within our wider community.”
Opportunities outlined by the Southland Regional Development Strategy initiative are critical to the Gore District’s future – “through this event we want to ensure plans align and are prioritised”.
The fast-paced workshop format will see participants join together in interest groups to determine the big issues. Outcomes from these specialist areas will then be discussed with the wider group to determine which themes the District most needs to focus on.
The summit was not about talking to people but talking with them to develop stakeholder-led strategies and priorities for success, Mr Hicks said.
Guest speakers will include representatives from the business, health, trade & enterprise, tourism, and retail sectors.