Leisure agencies to merge into Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency

Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) has voted to combine its economic development activities with Wellington City Council’s economic development activities - establishing the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency (WREDA).

Explaining the move, GWRC Chair Fran Wilde states “the new combined entity will have responsibility for all (of Wellington’s) regional economic development initiatives, leading to better prioritisation and integration.

“The ultimate goal is better economic performance of the Wellington region’s economy.

 “We need to be smarter about how we operate in supporting businesses grow, attracting visitors and investment, and helping with skills supply.

“WREDA will be a critical part of making this happen.”

WREDA will see Grow Wellington – the regional council’s agency – combine its functions with Wellington City Council’s Positively Wellington Tourism, Positively Wellington Venues, Major Events and Destination Wellington activities.

GWRC will have a 20% ownership of WREDA, while Wellington City Council will have an 80% ownership.

Positively Wellington Venues (PWV) recently reported a highly successful 2013/14 year.

Commenting on the agency’s year in its latest Annual Report, a PWV spokesperson stated “our business has brought the vision of ‘rocking this town by delivering a stunningly good year-round calendar of grow and show business events’, to life.

“Over the past financial year we have helped us contribute over $39 million to the Wellington economy.”

PWV’s performance included:

• 320,000 patrons to PWV sites and through 348 performances
• 358 conventions & events, including 49 conferences with over 180,000 delegates and guests
• 79 community/funded events over 300 days (subsidised or funded by PWV totalling more than $1.25 million)
• 88 events in the new conference facilities at Shed 6, since its opening in August 2013.

The spokeperson concluded “it doesn’t stop there ... as we look towards the future we are optimistic about introducing new investment and innovation that will continue to set Wellington apart from other destinations, as well as a place to host events.”

Image courtesy of Positively Wellington Tourism.

10th December 2013 - WELLINGTON TO CONSIDER MERGING TOURISM AND VENUES CCOS

29th August 2013 - WELLINGTON OPENS NEW CONCERT AND CONFERENCE VENUE