(PR.co.nz) Where, in Otago, is the most productive workforce? Which industry employs most people in the region, Tourism or Education and Research? What area of Otago employs the most people in the film industry? What is the region’s fastest growing industry sector? How many more hectares were planted in grapes in Central Otago in 2008 compared to 2002? What percentage of Dunedin’s workforce is employed in the Tourism sector?
These questions, and many more, are answered in a new report from Otago Forward, the regional economic development agency based on an economic profile of the Otago region released by BERL for the year ended March 2009.
While in the past, some councils have received individual reports on their local economy, this is the first time an Otago report has been compiled with collaboration from all five Otago councils.
Clive Geddes, Mayor of Queenstown and chair of Otago Forward, believes this information is very useful for councils, businesses and investors. “It highlights the fact that each district has distinctly different drivers in their economy” he said. “For example, if you live in the Clutha district you are five times more likely to work in the forestry and logging industry than the national average.”
While he admits that the information is not up to date, Peter Harris, Manager of the DCC’s Economic Development Unit, says this is unavoidable and the report is still useful. “There are time delays in the release of some data by Statistics New Zealand but, if you look at the big picture, it is still useful to have a long-term overview of different industries and districts” he said.
Mr Harris suggests that the report may challenge some preconceptions about where the jobs and wealth come from in our region.
Answers to the questions above….
* Where, in Otago, is the most productive workforce – Waitaki District
* Which industry employs more people in the region, Tourism or Education and Research – Education and Research
* What area of Otago employs the most people in the film industry – Dunedin
* What is the region’s fastest growing industry sector – Business services
* How many more hectares were planted in grapes in Central Otago in 2008 compared to 2002 – 3 times as many hectares
* What percentage of Dunedin’s workforce is employed in the Tourism sector – Approximately 5%
Media Release 18 March 2010 from Dunedin City Council.