Central government has a key role to play in supporting the digital transformation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy, without which, gains in productivity, efficiency and economic growth are being left on the table.

As local government becomes increasingly squeezed financially, there is increasing discussion of city region deals as a new way of funding infrastructure. However, while a city region deal may well include new funding streams from central to local government, there will undoubtedly be an expectation that investments will not be solely financed by central government, and – further – that new and innovative financing models will be used.

The team at Kalimena has identified what economic outcomes we might expect to receive from successful City Region Deals in New Zealand.

The paper referenced here, authored by David Waite, Andy Pike and Graeme Roy, draws on insights from Australia and the longer standing deals in the UK to identify key issues and dimensions that policymakers may usefully consider. Their stated aim is to further dialogue on the potentials and challenges of City Deals in the New Zealand setting.