Media Statement – Thursday 31 January 2019
 
The Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy (WEDS) has taken another positive step forward in its implementation with the appointment of a new Programme Manager. 
 
The Programme Manager role was established following funding from the Provincial Growth Fund, the three Wairarapa councils and Greater Wellington Regional Council, and will support the Governance and Steering groups to implement the strategy.
 
Wellington Region Economic Development Agency (WREDA) Chief Executive and Steering Group Chair Lance Walker, says they are delighted to announce that Marie-Claire Andrews has accepted the role. Marie-Claire will be part of the WREDA team but will be based in Wairarapa.
 
“Marie-Claire is well known in the Wairarapa as the founder of 3Mile, but also has a strong pedigree in entrepreneurship, business development and marketing. Her mix of skills and experience, along with her personality and drive, will be an asset to driving forward the WEDS programme.”
 
Marie-Claire will start in the role on the 18th February, and will take over from interim Programme Manager Phoebe Chamberlain, who has been on secondment from her role as Economic Development Manager for Masterton District Council.
 
WEDS Governance Group chair, Dame Margaret Bazley says she is looking forward to working with Marie-Claire, but would like to take the opportunity to thank Phoebe for her contribution to the strategy’s implementation thus far.
 
“Phoebe has done a commendable job steering the strategy through the important formation stages. She has established a great platform for Marie-Claire to work from.”
 
ENDS
 
Notes to editor –

The Strategy is the culmination of work across the region’s sectors, stakeholders and Iwi – instigated by the Masterton, Carterton, South Wairarapa District Councils, the Greater Wellington Regional Council and WREDA. It targets seven key focus areas; value-added food and beverage; tourism/visitor attraction; knowledge intensive industries, knowledge and skills (particularly primary industries), and business development; water; travel (air and rail); housing; and trees.

The Steering and Governance Groups exist to govern and manage the implementation of the WEDS, and as part of this to also provide local input and oversight into applications for funding for local projects, including applications to the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF).

Media contact
Kate Jurlina
Carterton District Council
kate@cdc.govt.nz
027 222 68 22