Taranaki Insights 2023

Our Chair, Dr Ganesh Nana was honoured to be the keynote speaker at Taranaki Insights 2023 on 24 February 2023.

The event, hosted by regional development agency Te Puna Umanga/Venture Taranaki focused on a presentation of data in the Summer 2022 edition of Taranaki Trends, which highlighted the region’s economic performance experienced by the September 2022 quarter.

In his address, Dr Nana shared his views on the national economic outlook for 2023, insights relevant to Taranaki, and more.

Dr Nana noted the results reflected in the Taranaki Business Survey, and in line with those in other region, there was an understandable level of anxiety and uncertainty over immediate economic conditions.

He further noted that it is long-term planning and investment that will aid enterprises and communities in building resilience to face the upcoming challenges.

"These short-term considerations should not sway our commitment, or efforts, to address the long-standing challenges confronting Aotearoa over the 21st century. These challenges require long-term investment in research and development, mātauranga Māori, physical infrastructure, enhancing skills, entrepreneurial talent, alongside community, transport, and communications networks.

"Whether it be lifting productivity, improving economic resilience, or mitigating climate change, there is no solution that does not involve an investment of time, effort, and dollars, to nurture, maintain, and improve the wide range of resources we have. These investments are not a ‘nice to have’ to be delayed to calmer times. In times of heightened uncertainty these investments become even more essential to minimise our vulnerabilities," says Dr Nana.

You can see Dr Nana’s presentation here.