Economic summit to decide future direction of Waikato economyRegional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones carves the first chip out of a ceremonial waka being created outside an economic summit near Karapiro which symbolised the new journey of event's organisers Te Waka (formally the Waikato Regional Economic Development Agency) journey forward. A two-day summit is underway to decide future economic opportunities aimed at improving the fortunes of Waikato and its people. That list will then be presented to Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones in a month's time. "I pledge to you that no stone will be unturned as the steward of the billion dollar [regional economic development] fund." The summit's organisers, the Waikato Regional Economic Development Agency also announced its new name, Te Waka.

Source: Stuff August 30, 2018 04:18 UTC