Strong foundations driving economic growth

Northland is entering a period of significant opportunity as regional partners, iwi, and industry leaders work together to strengthen Taitokerau’s economic future, the chair of the Joint Regional Economic Development Committee says.

Speaking today in Kerikeri at an event held by Ngāti Hine to mark the start of the kiwifruit season, regional councillor Geoff Crawford highlighted Taitokerau’s unique strengths and the energy building across the region.

“Northland is a region with extraordinary potential,” he says. “Our natural beauty, our communities, and our history of resilience and enterprise give us a foundation that many regions would envy.”

“Today’s gathering shows how closely our economic story is tied to the land and the people who care for it.”

Councillor Crawford told those at the gathering that improved infrastructure and connectivity are central to unlocking Northland’s economic potential. 

Through the Joint Regional Economic Development Committee - made up of all four Northland councils - work was underway to develop a coordinated Northland Infrastructure Plan.

“Better roads, rail, and port capacity transform how businesses operate here,” he says. “For growers, infrastructure determines how quickly fruit reaches packhouses, how safely workers travel, and how reliably products get to market.”

Projects linked to Northport and the wider Marsden Point area were already opening the door to new logistics, manufacturing, and export opportunities across the region.

He says Northland’s primary industries remain a cornerstone of regional prosperity.

“Last season, the region’s kiwifruit sector earned a record $80 million in orchard gate returns from 700 hectares of production, and early forecasts suggest another strong year ahead.”

Councillor Crawford says more than 1500 people currently work in Northland’s horticultural sector, with half of those jobs in the Far North.

“There is huge potential for agriculture, horticulture, and forestry to move further up the value chain.”  “By embracing processing, technology, and sustainability, we create higher‑value products and more skilled jobs right here in Northland.”

He says the region is expanding beyond traditional summer tourism, with Northland Inc, the region’s tourism organisation, facilitating several initiatives.

“Eco‑tourism, cultural tourism, and marine tourism create year‑round employment while protecting the natural environment that makes Northland special.”

Meanwhile, Cr Crawford emphasises that long‑term prosperity depends on investing in people, skills, and partnerships.

“Economic opportunity grows when local people have access to education, training, and pathways into meaningful careers,” he says. “Collaboration between iwi, business, government, and education providers ensures that development benefits stay within our communities.”

He highlights the strength of the Māori economy as a defining feature of Northland’s future and says Ngāti Hine’s leadership is a clear example of innovation happening on the ground.

Its recognition as a finalist for the Ahuwhenua Trophy - following Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust’s win in 2025 - demonstrates the impact of Māori‑led ventures.  (The trophy acknowledges and celebrates Māori business excellence in New Zealand's pastoral and horticultural sectors.)

“These successes show what is possible when cultural values, industry expertise, and regional ambition come together.”

Councillor Crawford says ultimately regional development is about people and communities.

“Prosperity means young people can build careers without leaving home, families can thrive, and communities feel optimistic about the future.”

He acknowledges the work of Pukerau Orchard and Ngāti Hine as examples of regional strength in action.

“This whenua, the mahi invested in it, and the vision guiding it show how Māori enterprise is creating pathways for prosperity - not just for today’s workforce, but for generations to come.”