Fortnight in Review (11th -22nd March)
Programme Management team: Regional Engagement activities:
*Finalization of a communications plan to include delivery of targeted content to all stakeholders via this blog, a Facebook page, representation at community and business group meetings and regular media releases.
*Discussion with editor of Times-Age around WEDS communications, who agreed to a monthly column from the team for publication
*Meeting with Ministry for Social development Wairarapa team - introducing new Programme Manager
* Meeting with Destination Wairarapa to progress Destination Accommodation Planning
* Meeting with entrepreneur to review potential project: mobile app in the tourism space
*Meeting with entrepreneur to review potential project: software platform with application to training
Other activities:
* The Governance Group met on Monday 11th. The meeting included a presentation from the Food Story group on their activities and potential projects for consideration as part of the strategy. Discussion also covered membership of the group, to be finalized at the next meeting, progress on priority projects and activities was reviewed and an agreement that Action Group meetings should be accelerated as a priority.
* The Steering Group (CEO's of each council, Business Wairarapa and Destination Wairarapa along with representatives from the Provincial Development Unit, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Ngati Rangitane a
nd Ngati Kahungunu) met on Thursday 14th to review projects underway contributing to the actions outlined in the Economic Development Strategy. Discussion were held on activities relating to water, accommodation and skills and a presentation was received by Creative HQ on the establishment of a business incubator in the region, and the delivery of a food tech accelerator.
* The Workforce Development Project workshop, facilitated by Deloitte on behalf of WREDA, was held in the Carterton Events Centre to gather feedback from employers in the Wairarapa on the current workforce environment and to understand future skill shortages the region may face. A report including actions to address shortages is due in April 2019.