DWC Strategy

DWC Strategy 2023-2028

Development West Coast (DWC) was established as a Charitable Trust in 2001 with a settlement of $92m received from the Government as an economic adjustment package for the loss of indigenous forestry and the privatisation of much infrastructure on the West Coast in the late 1990s.

DWC manages its funds to enable the investment and distribution of income back into the region to meet its core objectives of promoting sustainable employment opportunities and generating sustainable economic benefits for the West Coast region. These objectives are met through the provision of a range of business and economic development interventions, including business finance, business support and advisory services, industry and sector support and research and innovation projects.

A thriving economy that delivers inter-generational prosperity.

To grow business to grow the Coast.

Manage our resources

Strategies

• Focus on sustainable employment opportunities
• Increased investment in West Coast enterprises delivering a commercial return
• Improve availability of housing to support workforce
• Grow West Coast businesses to be national/international players

Measuring our success

• GDP growth vs other regions
• Employment roles and income band improvement
• Increased profitability/growth in supported industries
• Significantly increased investment on the West Coast through the available Distribution fund

Attract Regional Investment

Strategies

• Leverage Distribution Fund to attract strategic investment/ partnerships
• Optimising networks to attract new business investment
• Attract, retain and support the right businesses
• Value added to minerals sector
• Workforce redeployed

Measuring our success

• New businesses attracted to the West Coast as a direct consequence of DWC’s intervention
• New investment attracted to the region as a consequence of DWC intervention
• Direct DWC investment into existing West Coast businesses which achieves business growth and/or diversification

A Desirable Destination

Strategies

• Invest in the West Coast brand and building on authentic West Coast character
• Improve profile and perception of the West Coast
• More high paying jobs
• Attract and retain the right talent (productive people)

Measuring our success

• Increased revenue from visitors
• Increased occupancy
• Increased number of business units in the region
• Increased building consents for homes

An Enduring Fund

Strategies

• Maintain charitable status
• Maintain real value of the Fund

Measuring our success

• All investments meet the objects of DWC’s Deed
• Average return on investment from new Distribution Assets is > Investment Fund returns, therefore not affecting the ability to maintain the real value of the fund

Value our People

• Our people are our best asset and we are committed to supporting them to reach their full potential.

Drive for Results

• We are committed to and accountable for delivering measurable results for the West Coast.

Innovation

• We are committed to realising new opportunities to deliver sustainable economic growth on the West Coast.

Collaboration

• We work in partnership with others to deliver a thriving West Coast economy now and for future generations.

Trust

• To succeed through working in partnership with others, we need to build those relationships on a foundation of integrity and trust.