THE WAIKATO STORY

The Waikato region has a powerful story to tell. It’s an important way to express both who we are, and our rich contribution to New Zealand’s global competitiveness and appeal. This is the place where we explore the journey so far.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The way people think about a place has a direct effect on its economy. We know locals have a positive perception of the Waikato region. That’s a view we want to be shared nationally and internationally so that we can attract more visitors, more families, more students and more business investment. Creating and sustaining a positive image is central to the success of the Waikato Economic Development Strategy. But to grow, first we need to tell the Waikato Story.

To arrive at our story, we needed to ensure from day one that it was both authentic and aspirational, and aligned to the New Zealand Story. There was little point just cobbling together a list of perceptions; so we used a thorough consultative process that involved approximately 600 people from a wide range of backgrounds –from farmers and philanthropists, to industry leaders and government representatives.

After much discussion, exchange of ideas, consultation and formal research, here's the Waikato Story.

To discover our journey, you can also explore information about DISCOVERY, BUILDING BLOCKS, and the final DRAFT STORY of the Waikato Story itself.

HELPING US TELL THE WAIKATO STORY

WE RAN 4 WORKSHOPS: TE AROHA, HAMILTON, TAUPO, AND WAIKATO IWI AND YOUTH

Representatives from councils: Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki, Waikato, Waitomo, Otorohonga, Waipa, South Waikato, Hamilton City, Taupo, Matamata-Piako.

200+ representatives from business/agribusiness, the arts, community funders, environment groups, sports, agencies, education, health, tourism, youth and Iwi.

THE WAIKATO STORY BUILDING BLOCKS

DEFINING:

- The Waikato story personality:
Distinct from NZ story (but related)

- The Waikato tone of voice:
Distinct from NZ story

- The Waikato story chapters and threads:
Distinct from NZ story (but related)

VALUES:

(Shared with NZ Story)

- Resourcefulness

- Kaitiaki

- Integrity

DISCOVERY

This is where you’ll find out more about the consultative process, background research, the five workshops, and the audiences we spoke to.

VISIT THE DISCOVERY SECTION

BUILDING BLOCKS

An introduction to the tools and workshop days. How we uncovered the Personality and Tone of the story from a range of opinions and perspectives.

VISIT THE BUILDING BLOCKS SECTION

DRAFT STORY

The Waikato Story to date; the first distillation of our collective thinking and the ‘master story’ framework, from which we will all tell our unique stories.

VISIT THE DRAFT STORY SECTION