Case Studies

Priority One established the Young Professionals Forum to engage those in the 24-38 demographic in the importance of economic development and to ensure their voice is heard on issues affecting the region’s growth.  We were keen to find out what they liked about living in the Bay, what was not so great and what could be done to make the region more attractive to young people.  In the six months since the group was established, membership has grown rapidly to over 100 people.

Key issues raised by the group include the importance of a strong tertiary presence to attract young people to the region, the need for young people to have a political voice in the progression of the city, and the importance of promoting business capability to encourage the ‘buy local’ approach to economic development. 

Following a forum with officers and elected members from Tauranga City Council to discuss Council’s role in positioning Tauranga for current and future growth, the Young Professionals Forum presented a submission to Council’s draft 10 year plan.  The submission called for Council to increase rates and user fees to support the city's growing infrastructure and community needs, and to ensure the region develops its appeal as a destination for skilled professionals to live and work in.

"The Young Professionals Forum provides a fantastic opportunity for us to gain an understanding of local government and to have a say in economic development and growth issues in the Western Bay of Plenty",  says Anna-Marie Lawrence, from the Business Centre at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.