Council of Trade Unions President Richard Wagstaff said today that he was excited to see such swift and broad progress on the Provincial Growth Fund for regional economic development from the new Coalition Government. “This is the biggest opportunity we’ve had to create sustainable, flourishing communities in our regions in an entire generation” he said.
“The sustainable infrastructure focus of the Fund and the criteria of permanent jobs future-proofs this scheme to transition us to a cleaner fairer economy. I’m particularly encouraged by the cabinet paper discussion of good quality jobs that bring benefits to the community and to tangata whenua, rather than just private capital.”
“The next step is for government officials, Ministers and the Independent Advisory Panel to work with community and industry groups including unions, to further develop what good jobs look like when assessing Fund applications. We’re excited to extend our expertise in this area to ensure the Fund achieves higher employment and wages for regional New Zealand.”
