Auckland Regional Economic Development Forum

The Auckland Regional Economic Development Forum is a committee made up of leaders from Auckland region's major economic development sectors.

The forum's primary responsibility is to oversee the Auckland Regional Economic Development Strategy's implementation and review. The forum also plays an advocacy and liaison role throughout the region and provides a regional voice on issues that affect Auckland's economy.

Its members have a diverse range of economic development backgrounds, with membership from local government, economic development agencies, business, education, labour organisations, infrastructure providers, Maori and Pacific people.

Members:

• Michael Barnett (Chair) Councillor, ARC and Chief Executive of Chamber of Commerce ARC
• Uluomatootua S. Aiono Founder of Cogita - Pacific
• Member currently being re-elected following local government elections - Territorial Authorities
• Christine Rankin, Councillor, Auckland Regional Council - ARC
• John Wadsworth Chair of Auckland Regional Economic Development Association - EDAs
• Ross Peat Foundation member of Committee for Auckland and previous Managing Director of Microsoft NZ - Business
• Ian Shirley Director, Institute of Public Policy, AUT University - Tertiary (interim)
• Michael Wood Lead organiser, Auckland Office, Finsec - Labour organisation
• Daryl Jeffery Chairman of the Auckland Utility Operators Group Inc. - Infrastructure
• Richard Jones Chief Executive of the Poutama Maori Business Trust - Maori
• Two seats are currently vacant: member for the skills network and for the infrastructure network

Auckland Regional Economic Development Forum functions:

• oversee the implementation and review of the Auckland Regional Economic Development Strategy as well as strategy development
• provide direction on the allocation of resources needed for the implementation of the region's economic development strategy
• provide a platform for dialogue between all the players in the economic development field
• provide opportunities for wide discussion on key issues of regional importance in economic development
• monitor the progress of the region's economy and the results of the implementation of the region's economic development strategy
• liaise, consult and advocate with key stakeholders to ensure that the outcomes outlined in the economic development strategy are achieved
• advocate for the integration of economic development outcomes with other regional strategies.

The forum is a committee administered by the ARC and advises the ARC on priorities for its regional economic development unit AucklandPlus.

Take this link for agendas and minutes from Regional Economic Development Forum meetings.