Business & Workforce Development

Supporting our businesses, key industry sectors, and people to upskill, innovate and grow.

Small to medium businesses are the cornerstone of our regional economy and community, accounting for over 94% of total business numbers in Nelson Tasman (i.e. over 12,000 businesses). The resilience and success of our SMEs is key to our economic resilience, and due to the changing future of work, the impact of COVID-19 and other global conditions, our businesses are facing new and increasing pressures.

NRDA has a vital role to play in connecting businesses and people in the region with the right support, tools and funding to enable them to upskill and grow to meet the changing needs of business. Supporting the development of the region’s talent pipeline is also important to support the growth of our economy and key sectors and businesses within it. This includes both retaining and developing talent and skills already in the region and attracting those with the skills and experience our region needs.

 

STATEMENT OF INTENT 2021-24 (PDF)

Workforce and Skills Development

Workforce and Skills Development

NRDA will work with the Regional Skills Leadership Group in development of the Regional Workforce Development Plan and, from this, identify targeted programmes to meet the region’s labour force and skills needs. Several programmes in this workstream were initiated in 2020/2021 under Project Kōkiri in response to identified need for intergenerational support, with short term funding from central and local government.

Business Innovation

Business Innovation

Supporting our regional innovation eco-system through the Mahitahi Colab and aligned initiatives which support and promote innovation in our region. These include delivery of the Certificate of Applied Innovation, Innovation Nation, the Nelson Tasman Innovation Neighbourhood, LEAN workshops (RBP), and NZTech engagement.

Business Advice and Funding

Business Advice and Funding

Targeted 1:1 support to businesses to facilitate access to business support services and to funding for R&D and innovation (through Callaghan Innovation). This includes the leadership and management of the Regional Business Partners Programme (RBPP) for Te Tauihu, a repeat national award winner for performance and reach, supporting over 780 businesses (and facilitating over $3.4m funding) in 2020/2021.

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Sector Transitions and Growth

Sector Transitions and Growth

Connected with other business and workforce development activities, providing support to engaged businesses, in priority growth sectors to support sector resilience. This work
will align with Central Government’s programme of Industry Transformation Plans as they are developed, with the Businesses for Climate Action delivery programme, and with an innovation-focus delivered through the Mahitahi Colab.

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