Priority One

Priority One is the Western Bay of Plenty region’s economic development organisation, established in 2001 by the Tauranga and Western Bay Of Plenty business community in partnership with the sub-region’s local authorities. It was the first economic development organisation in New Zealand to be initiated by the business community and run along business principles of action and results.

Their job is to grow the economy of the region, working with local authorities to ensure local government and business needs and aspirations are aligned. Priority One actively encourage Bay of Plenty businesses to grow by the removal of roadblocks, ensuring the skills and experience required by industry are available locally, and active targeting of offshore businesses into the Western Bay of Plenty market. Priority One have a strong focus on developing an economy underpinned by skilled talent, innovation and collaboration supporting initiatives such as the Young Innovator Awards, Design and Innovation Meet-up, Summer Open Lab and cutting edge research.