To grow business to grow the Coast
Development West Coast (DWC) is the regional economic development agency for the West Coast region. DWC's objectives are to promote employment opportunities and generate sustainable economic benefits for the West Coast. We aim to achieve this by investing in businesses and regional development projects that will benefit the West Coast now and in the future.
Achieving our Objective
Since inception, DWC has been involved in, invested and supported numerous projects and businesses throughout the West Coast in an endeavour to promote employment and generate sustainable economic benefits in the West Coast.
West Coast on show in India
The West Coast was recently showcased to hundreds of Indian travel agents during a major tourism sales mission designed to raise the region’s profile and grow visitor numbers from one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing markets.
Learn moreNorthern West Coast wows travel agents
The northern West Coast has left a lasting impression on nine inbound tour operators (IBOs) who took part in a Development West Coast (DWC) famil last month designed to boost tourism in the Buller district.
Learn moreDWC tertiary scholarships opening soon
Development West Coast (DWC) is excited to announce that applications for the annual DWC Tertiary Scholarships will officially open on Monday, 4 August 2025.
Learn moreWest Coast distillery outshines rap legends
A boutique distillery from the small West Coast town of Reefton has just outshone some of the biggest names in the global spirits world — including rap royalty Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre — at one of the industry’s most prestigious competitions.
Learn moreWe're Recruiting - Business Growth and Innovation Advisor (Fixed Term)
An opportunity has arisen for a Business Growth and Innovation Advisor to join the Development West Coast (DWC) economic development team.
Learn moreNew Whio duck population discovered in Paparoa Ranges
An innovative conservation partnership on the West Coast is delivering wins for wildlife, local communities and the economy — with the discovery of a previously unknown population of endangered whio (blue duck) among its exciting outcomes.
Learn moreWestport Business Development 1:1 Sessions - 23 July
Book an appointment to meet with DWC's business support team in Westport on 23 July.
Learn moreKaramea Business Development 1:1 Sessions - 24 July
Book an appointment to meet with DWC's business support team in Karamea on 24 July.
Learn moreFarm Succession Planning Workshop (B+LNZ)
Succession is not the easiest conversation to begin or road to travel but a vital journey for many farming families to take. Regardless of where you are in the process this workshop is for you.
Learn moreLunch n Learn Series: Creating Compelling Content presented by BareKiwi
In the tourism world, great content is how you tell your story, connect with your audience, and inspire bookings.
Learn moreSouth Westland Business Development 1:1 Sessions - 30 & 31 July
Book an appointment to meet with DWC's business support team in South Westland on 30 & 31 July.
Learn moreHokitika Business Development 1:1 Sessions - 30 July
Book an appointment to meet with DWC's business support team in Hokitika on 30 July
Learn moreCapability building programmes
Co.Starters Business Development Programme
A ten week course designed to help you find the best approach to starting and growing a business.
Learn moreWest Coast leadership programme
A series of workshops delivered by NZIML on the core facets of leadership and management.
Learn moreWest Coast Governance Programme
Governance workshops on the key roles and responsibilities of the board and individual directors.
Learn more