POU TAHI
Māori Economic Development
To work with strategic partners in the Māori Economic Development space to drive delivery on high impact Māori economic development projects that develop capacity and capability across the region.
As an organisation, Northland Inc uses our values and our six strategic pou to guide the mahi we do and the way we interact with one another and our partners.
Our Values
Integrity | Tika pono tuwhera
We strive to act with honesty and integrity in all our interactions.
Courage | Manawanui
We believe in facing challenges and capitalising on opportunities to move our people and our region forward.
Inclusiveness |Mahi tahi
Working together with mutual respect is the way we all will thrive.
Understanding | Māramatanga
Seeking to understand each other helps us all to learn.
Wellness | Oranga
Actively caring for ourselves and others will give us a solid foundation from which to work.
Tirohanga ki Mua - OUR Vision
An economy that supports a prosperous and thriving Te Tai Tokerau Northland that respects all people – past, present and future – and cares for the environment we all share.
Te Aronui - OUR Mission
To identify and focus on those activities and relationships that will strengthen, diversify, and grow Te Tai Tokerau Northland economy to help achieve equity and environmental sustainability.
ORGANISATIONAL OBJECTIVES
We have developed our organisational objectives based around six key pou.
POU RUA
Environmental Sustainability
To help prepare for Taitokerau Northland’s transition to a zero carbon and low emission economy, by embedding environmental sustainability and Mātauranga Māori principles across our active projects.
POU TORU
Regional Investment
We will identify and prioritise projects, activities and ideas to ensure we engage in projects that have the biggest impact on growing Taitokerau Northland’s economy.
POU WHĀ
Destination Management
To lead the implementation of our regional Destination Management Plan in partnership with relevant stakeholders, industry, iwi and hapū. And, through a programme of investment and development, deliver destination management and marketing activity to position Taitokerau Northland as a desirable place to visit.
POU RIMA
Profile and Advocacy of Economic Development
To actively advocate for Taitokerau Northland to improve the economic well-being of the region whilst raising the profile of economic development and the work we do.
POU ONO
Organisational Culture
As an organisation we actively support a culture where our team are respectful and supportive of one another; our histories, our whānau and our aspirations.
Our Māori Design Patterns
You will see a couple of Māori design patterns used across our site. These were created for us by the team at Hihiaua Cultural Centre and are based on traditional Māori patterns.
Te Pātiki
This pattern is representative of both a star constellation and the diamond-shaped head of the flounder. In Te Ao Māori, the flounder is a symbol of abundance and hospitality. As a region Taitokerau Northland is fortunate to have an abundance of natural resources and we take seriously our role in welcoming visitors balanced with caring for our environment to ensure we provide for future generations.
Aramoana
Aramoana means ‘pathway of the sea’. The horizontal zigzags suggest pathways that the ocean and other waterways provide to many destinations. As an Economic Development Agency, much of the work we do is based around helping others to navigate various pathways that will see them achieve their business, community and environmental goals.
OUR HISTORY
Economic Development and Regional Tourism promotion has been underway in Northland since the mid-1990’s, originally existing as two separate entities – Enterprise Northland and Destination Northland. Under these banners, work began to establish support infrastructure for Taitokerau Northland’s key industries, job market, cultural assets and tourism product development, forming the backbone of economic development initiatives across Taitokerau Northland.
There have been many projects along the way that the team have been involved in, often working behind the scenes long before the project is completed. Below are a few of the key milestones in our history.
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JUL
2011Regional Business Partnership
Through our Business Growth and Innovation team, we’ve spent over 10 years working with hundreds of business owners across the region, connecting them to resources and networks to fast-track their business success.
Regional Business Partnership
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FEB
2013Northland Inc Launch
In 2013 Northland Inc was formed, bringing together the Regional Tourism Organisation and Economic Development teams to work alongside one another to grow economic development across Taitokerau. Shortly after formation, Northland Inc developed the feasibility study and business case for The Orchard, a dedicated business and event hub in Whangārei, where the team have been based since The Orchard opening in 2016.
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MAR
2013Hawaiki Cable Project
Northland Inc commenced work on the Hawaiki Cable Project in 2013 through investigation of inward investment activity. Following extensive location scoping, the 15,000km super fibre-optic cable surfaced at Mangawhai Heads in February 2018, with the cable switched on in June 2018 – linking New Zealand to Australia, Hawaii and mainland United States, and ultimately doubling New Zealand’s international communications capacity.
The Hawaiki Cable Project won the Best Practice in Inward Investment Award at the 2018 Economic Development NZ (EDNZ) Annual Conference Gala.
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June
2014Extension 350
We assisted a group of organisations to develop a business case for this programme and subsequently lead the implementation to help build a network of support and guidance for the region’s farming communities. Extension 350 launched in 2016, and across its 5-and-a-half-year tenure has engaged with over 380 Taitokerau farmers to help them succeed.
Extension 350 won the Best Practice in Sustainable Development Award at the 2018 Economic Development NZ (EDNZ) Annual Conference Gala.
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FEB
2015Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan
Northland Inc commissioned a Regional Growth Study and lead the development of the resulting Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan, encompassing projects that together are contributing to transforming Northland’s economy.
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MAR
2015Hundertwasser Art Centre
Northland Inc have supported the Hundertwasser Art Centre throughout the development process, recognising its potential as an iconic visitor attraction for the region. Providing economic insights, impact assessment reports and through collaboration, the Hunderwasster Art Centre sits as a key initiative within the Taitokerau Northland Destination Management Plan. We were thrilled to see doors officially open in 2022, welcoming visitors from across the rohe.
Visit the Hundertwasser Art Centre and Wairau Māori Art Gallery
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FEB
2016Hihiaua Cultural Centre
We supported the development of the Hihiaua Cultural Centre through the successful submission to the Provincial Growth Fund. Stage 1 of the development opened its doors in 2020, bringing the 40-year vision of Whangārei’s elders and community leaders to life.
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OCT
2018Ngawha Innovation and Enterprise Park
The Ngawha Innovation and Enterprise Park is being developed on a 240-hectare rural site, just a few minutes outside of Kaikohe. Northland Inc have provided support throughout the project, and will take up tenancy inside the Innovation Centre to support local businesses.
Ngawha Innovation & Enterprise Park won the inclusive development award at the 2021 Economic Development New Zealand (EDNZ) Awards.
Visit the Ngāwha Innovation and Enterprise Park
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JAN
2020Destination Management Plan
Northland Inc and our partners undertook the development of the Taitokerau Northland Destination Management Plan in 2020. Officially released in late 2021, the plan is designed to be unique to Taitokerau Northland and aims to enhance the value of our visitor experiences for all who encounter them.
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June
2023Mahinga Innovation Centre officially opened
Northland Inc have been involved with the wider Ngawha Innovation and Enterprise Park project since the outset, recognising the potential of the area and the significant impact such a project could have on economic outcomes for not only the immediate area, but the entire region. Northland Inc supported Far North Holdings Limited by taking the head lease for Mahinga Innovation Centre, as part of the bid for the grant funding provided to establish Ngawha Innovation and Enterprise Park. The centre has shared workspace facilities encompassing hot desks, meeting rooms, office facilities, a café and dedicated front of house staff. The centre was officially opened on 13 June, 2023.
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June
2023MOU Signed with Northport and Ocean Flyer
Ocean Flyer, the NZ company committed to operating all-electric seagliders to connect regional centres around the country, marked the signing of Memoranda of Understanding with Northport and Northland regional economic development agency Northland Inc at an event at Marsden Cove Marina on 16 June, 2023. The agreements could make Whangārei the first destination in its network.
The agreement with Northport covers the design and development of the infrastructure needed to operate an Ocean Flyer service from Whangārei. Northland Inc will support Ocean Flyer and Northport in engagement with the community, local authorities and businesses, helping Ocean Flyer to establish operations and generate benefits for the Northland region.
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June
2023Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau and Northland Inc. solidify commitment with the signing of a Waka Hourua agreement
Whāriki Te Tai Tokerau and Northland Inc. solidify commitment with the signing of a Waka Hourua agreement to mark their collective commitment to advancing Māori business in Te Tai Tokerau.
The Waka Hourua Agreement is a shared commitment to promoting economic growth and development that is inclusive, sustainable, and culturally responsive. Through this partnership, both parties aim to create a platform for Māori businesses to connect, collaborate, and innovate, while also fostering stronger ties regionally, nationally, and globally. The agreement recognises the independence of both entities while seeking to establish a broad regional commitment to work together for the holistic well-being of the business owners, their staff, whanau, hapū and iwi.
