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Regional economy, growth and development

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Planning ahead

The Waikato is a dynamic region with ever-changing pressures on its growth, economy and resources.  It's Waikato Regional Council's job to keep an eye on the related issues and opportunities facing the region, help manage them and also to plan for the region's future growth and development.

Economic reporting and information

Social and economic indicators

We regularly research and report on the relationships between our region's people, economy and environment. Read about our latest findings.

The economy of the Waikato region in 2022

This report profiles the Waikato region’s economy – its current state and the trajectory it is on.

Dashboard - Trends of the Waikato economy

This comparative dashboard uses nine key aspects to assess the region's economy and track our economic performance.

Dashboard - Regional economic profile

Take a closer look at the Waikato region's economic profile on the Infometrics website.

Waikato Progress Indicators

Our Waikato Progress Indicators (WPI) measure the Waikato region’s progress by identifying our current situation and trends across each of 32 key economic, environmental and social aspects.

The costs of physical inactivity

Waikato Regional Council, Auckland Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council jointly commissioned a study to examine the full costs of physical inactivity in their regions. 

Regional planning and forecasting

Waikato Regional Spatial Plan

We’re working with councils and iwi on a shared plan for the region’s future – thinking ahead about how we use land, build infrastructure and manage .

Waikato Regional Energy Strategy

The Waikato Regional Energy Strategy provides a picture of the way energy is used within the region and the opportunties to use energy more efficiently.

Aquaculture strategy

Growing together – Whakatupu Ngātahi is our region-wide aquaculture strategy to create a bright, sustainable and resilient future for the industry and the Waikato region.

Creating Futures : WISE

The Waikato Integrated Scenario Explorer (WISE) is a dynamic, spatially-explicit computer simulation model that assesses the effects and trade-offs of alternative future development scenarios or the consequences of policy options.

Future Proof

Future Proof is a growth strategy specific to the Hamilton, Waipā and Waikato sub-region. Population is predicted to double over the next 50 years so collective planning and action is critical to the Waikato's long term success.

Upper North Island Strategic Alliance (UNISA)

UNISA responds to and manages a range of inter-regional and inter-metropolitan issues. Members consists of Northland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regional councils, Auckland Council, Whangārei District Council and Hamilton and Tauranga city councils.

District council ICMPs

Local district integrated catchment management plans provide guides for stormwater, wastewater and water management, as well as a framework to allow property development to occur in a managed way.

Transportation planning

Regional growth and development can have adverse effects on transport systems. Transport infrastructure, such as roads and public transport, is also needed to support new growth and development.