Agenda of Economic Development Committee - Wednesday, 16 March 2022

Economic Development Committee MEETING

16 March 2022

Order of Business

Pursuant to Sections 46A(7) and 46A(7A) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, to receive the Chairperson’s explanation that specified item(s), which do not appear on the Agenda of this meeting and/or the meeting to be held with the public excluded, will be discussed.

Any additions in accordance with Section 46A(7) must be approved by resolution with an explanation as to why they cannot be delayed until a future meeting.

Any additions in accordance with Section 46A(7A) may be received or referred to a subsequent meeting for further discussion. No resolution, decision or recommendation can be made in respect of a minor item.

3. Declarations of Interest (if any)

Members are reminded of their duty to give a general notice of any interest of items to be considered on this agenda and the need to declare these interests.

4. Public Comment

To receive comments from members of the public on matters specified on this Agenda or, if time permits, on other Committee matters.

(NOTE: If the Committee wishes to consider or discuss any issue raised that is not specified on the Agenda, other than to receive the comment made or refer it to the Chief Executive, then a resolution will need to be made in accordance with clause 2 above.)

5. Presentation - Humphries Construction and Racing Awapuni Combined Enterprise (RACE) Page 7

6. Presentation - Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) Page 9

7. Presentation - Manawatū Chamber of Commerce Page 11

8. Confirmation of Minutes Page 13

“That the minutes of the Economic Development Committee meeting of 8 December 2021 Part I Public be confirmed as a true and correct record.”

9. Summary report on the December 2021 Quarterly Economic Monitor Page 19

Memorandum, presented by Peter Crawford, Economic Policy Advisor.

10. International Relations and Education Update Report Page 35

Memorandum, presented by Gabrielle Nguyen, International Relations Manager.

11. Health Care and Social Assistance Sector Profile 2021 and Logistics Sector Profile 2021 Page 47

Memorandum, presented by Julie Macdonald, Strategy and Policy Manager.

12. Committee Work Schedule Page 105

13. Exclusion of Public

To be moved:

“That the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting listed in the table below.

The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under Section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as follows:

General subject of each matter to be considered	Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter	Ground(s) under Section 48(1) for passing this resolution

This resolution is made in reliance on Section 48(1)(a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and the particular interest or interests protected by Section 6 or Section 7 of that Act which would be prejudiced by the holding of the whole or the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting in public as stated in the above table.

Also that the persons listed below be permitted to remain after the public has been excluded for the reasons stated.

[Add Third Parties], because of their knowledge and ability to assist the meeting in speaking to their report/s [or other matters as specified] and answering questions, noting that such person/s will be present at the meeting only for the items that relate to their respective report/s [or matters as specified].

Palmerston North City Council

Minutes of the Economic Development Committee Meeting Part I Public, held in the Council Chamber, First Floor, Civic Administration Building, 32 The Square, Palmerston North on 08 December 2021, commencing at 1.06pm

Members

Present:

Councillor Leonie Hapeta (in the Chair), The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Rachel Bowen, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Lew Findlay QSM, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Bruno Petrenas, Aleisha Rutherford and Mr Ruma Karaitiana.

Non Members Present:

Councillors Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan and Karen Naylor.

Apologies:

Councillors Lew Findlay QSM and Orphée Mickalad,

Councillor Susan Baty left the meeting at 1.25pm during consideration of clause 29. She entered the meeting again at 1.27pm after the consideration of clause 30. She was not present for clause 29.

27-21

Apologies

Moved Leonie Hapeta, seconded Vaughan Dennison.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the Committee receive the apologies.

Clause 27-21 above was carried 15 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Leonie Hapeta, Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Rachel Bowen, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas, Aleisha Rutherford and Ruma Karaitiana.

28-21

Retail Health Check Profile – November 2021

Memorandum, presented by Julie Macdonald, Strategy and Policy Manager.

Moved Leonie Hapeta, seconded Vaughan Dennison.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the memorandum titled ‘Retail Health Check Profile – November 2021’, be received for information.

Clause 28-21 above was carried 15 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

29-21

Presentation - Andrew Heaphy

Andrew Heaphy, Plaza Director spoke on the retail health of the Plaza shopping centre. He made the following comments:

· Covid has distorted the numbers, the Plaza prefers to compare the 2019 year with 2021, to get a more accurate reflection on the health of the centre.

· Generally retail in the Plaza has bounced back but some services are struggling.

· Personal services sales have decreased by 30% and food outlets sales are struggling.

· Some well-known retailers have gone – Lush is only trading in the main centres and STA travel has ceased.

· Have noticed a change in shopping habits of the mature customer, with stores that cater for those shoppers experiencing lower sales.

· In terms of property, there are some vacancies in the Plaza. We are prepared to wait for a ‘quality offer’ and have pop up stores to fill the vacancies.

· Over the last year, there has been pressure on landlords for abatements to keep the tenants going. Rising rates has not helped and insurance premiums keep increasing (30-45%).

· Crime continues to be a problem with burglaries and vandalism causing a nuisance and adding to costs. Tenants are responsible for store security.

· The Plaza is not responsible for vaccines mandate passes as it is an essential service. Mandates are managed at the store level.

Councillor Susan Baty left the meeting at 1.25pm

Moved Leonie Hapeta, seconded Vaughan Dennison.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the Economic Development Committee receive the presentation for information.

Clause 29-21 above was carried 14 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Leonie Hapeta, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas, Aleisha Rutherford and Ruma Karaitiana.

30-21

Presentation – Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA)

David Wright, Interim Chief Executive and Sarah Towers, Talent and Skills Officer provided an update on CEDA’s current workstreams

They spoke on the following topics:

- Food Strategy - purpose of draft strategy is to identify the economic areas of the region which CEDA can capitalise on to exploit our competitive advantage.

- Central NZ Distribution Hub – Strategy is developed and is being implemented.

- Profiling the region – critical enabler of economic development.

- Regional identity brand being launched.

- NZ house and garden event scheduled for 2022.

- Talent and Skills - focus on infrastructure and construction; and food and fibre sectors. Sector profiles have been developed and ‘talent-attraction’ marketing campaign has begun for the infrastructure and construction industry in partnership with the sector. Campaign focusses on the lifestyle options of the region to attract workers.

- Defence force – relocation project for defence families into region with a focus on careers and transitioning outside of the force into other work.

Councillor Susan Baty entered the meeting again at 1.27pm.

Moved Leonie Hapeta, seconded Vaughan Dennison.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the Economic Development Committee receive the presentation for information.

Clause 30-21 above was carried 15 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

31-21

Presentation – Palmy Business Improvement District (BID)

Rob Campbell, Chair and Amanda Linley from the Palmy Business Improvement District (BID) updated the committee on the work done in the last 6 months,

Purpose of the BID is to grow the city centre, advocate for its members and increase vibrancy in the city centre.

They outlined their key milestones for the last 6 months:

· Advocacy on behalf of community in relation to increase in carpark changes and extending hours.

· Engaging and supporting businesses to find solutions to nuisance problems in the city centre (eg begging).

· Working on a vision and mission for the Palmy BID.

· Working with Council to negotiate a funding agreement.

Future work proposed includes: finalising an operation structure, advocacy focus will be on centre city parking, regional transport and civic and cultural prescient

Moved Leonie Hapeta, seconded Vaughan Dennison.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the Economic Development Committee receive the presentation for information.

Clause 31-21 above was carried 15 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

32-21

Confirmation of Minutes

Moved Leonie Hapeta, seconded Vaughan Dennison.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the minutes of the Economic Development Committee meeting of 15 September 2021 Public be confirmed as a true and correct record.

Clause 32-21 above was carried 15 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

33-21

Summary report on the September 2021 Quarterly Economic Monitor, Annual Population report and Annual Business and Employment report

Memorandum, presented by Peter Crawford, Economic Policy Adviser.

Moved Leonie Hapeta, seconded Vaughan Dennison.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the Summary report on the September 2021 Palmerston North Quarterly Economic Monitor, Annual Population report and Annual Business and Employment report is received.

Clause 33-21 above was carried 15 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

34-21

Portfolio Update 2020/21 – Education and Students

Memorandum, presented by Councillor Rachel Bowen, Education and Students Portfolio Lead.

Moved Leonie Hapeta, seconded Vaughan Dennison.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the Committee receive the Portfolio Update – Education and Students for information.

Clause 34-21 above was carried 15 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

35-21

Committee Work Schedule

Moved Leonie Hapeta, seconded Vaughan Dennison.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1. That the Economic Development Committee receive its Work Schedule dated December 2021.

Clause 35-21 above was carried 15 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The meeting finished at 2.25pm

Confirmed 16 March 2022

Chairperson

Memorandum

TO: Economic Development Committee

MEETING DATE: 16 March 2022

TITLE: Summary report on the December 2021 Quarterly Economic Monitor

Presented By: Peter Crawford, Economic Policy Advisor

APPROVED BY: David Murphy, Chief Planning Officer

RECOMMENDATION TO Economic Development Committee

1. That the Summary report on the December 2021 Quarterly Economic Monitor is received for information.

1.1 This memorandum presents a summary of key themes in the latest Palmerston North Quarterly Economic Monitor for the December quarter,

1.2 COVID-19 restriction levels applying in Palmerston North during the December quarter were:

a. Level-2, 1 October – 2 December

b. COVID-19 Protection Framework, Orange traffic light setting, 3 – 31 December

1.3 Economic activity accelerated strongly in the December quarter, despite the constraints on some sectors from the COVID-19 Level-2 and Orange Traffic light settings, which were in place during the quarter. Growth improved from an increase of 1.1% in the September quarter to 8.0% in the December quarter. Infometrics revised its initial estimates for the September quarter, which had suggested City GDP declined by 2.6% in the quarter. GDP in the City increased by 7.8% in the 12 months ended December 2021, the highest recorded in the 20-year Infometrics series.

1.4 Retail spending in the City was strong during the December quarter, but the growth rate for the City hides significant differences in growth rates in the sector. Accommodation spending declined by 20% in the quarter, while the cafes, restaurants, bars and takeaways sector declined by 0.6%. The strongest growth was in the fuel and automotive sector, increasing by 21%.

1.5 Daily retail data for January shows a weakening in retail growth in Palmerston North after the move to the Red Traffic Light setting. Average growth in spending for the month of January was 8.6%, but growth reduced to 4.0% after the move to the Red setting. In the last week of January grocery and liquor spending increased by 11% and fuel automotive spending increased by 19%. The cafes, bars restaurant and takeaways sector declined by 8%, with electronic card turnover down by $213,000 in that week, while accommodation spending declined by 33%. Apparel and personal goods and services spending declined by 15%.

2. palmerston north quarterly economic monitor – december

2.1 Estimated annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth in Palmerston North was 8.0% in the December 2021 quarter, while GDP growth for New Zealand was estimated to be 2.8%.

a. Provisional GDP in Palmerston North was $5,864 million (2021 prices) in the year ended December 2021, an increase of 7.8% from the previous year. New Zealand GDP is estimated to have increased by 5.5%

2.2 Infometrics estimates for total filled jobs for residents of Palmerston North suggest 37,703 residents were employed in the December 2021 quarter, increasing by 1.8% from the previous year, while filled jobs for New Zealand increased by 1.7%. There were 641 more residents employed in the City in December 2021 compared with December 2020.

2.3 Electronic card retail spending in Palmerston North in the December quarter was $393 million, an increase of 7.4% from the December 2020 quarter, while national spending declined by 0.4%.

a. Annual electronic card retail spending in Palmerston North for the year ended December 2021 was $1,343 million, an increase of 9.2% from 2020. This compares with an increase of 5.0% for New Zealand.

2.4 The total value of building consents issued in Palmerston North in the December 2021 quarter was $90 million, an increase of 35% from the December 2020 quarter. National consent values increased by 25%.

a. Building consents to the value of $421 million were issued in Palmerston North in the year to December 2021, an increase of 16% from the previous year. National consent values increased by 20%.

b. Consents for 124 new residential dwellings were issued in Palmerston North in the December 2021 quarter, compared with 110 in the December 2020 quarter, an increase of 13%. National consents increased by 14%.

c. Consents for 557 new residential dwellings were issued in Palmerston North in the year ended December 2021, compared with 524 in the previous year, an increase of 6%. National consents increased by 24%.

d. Commercial/non-residential consents to the value of $170 million were issued in Palmerston North during the year to December 2021, a decline of 4% from the previous year. National consents increased by 17% over the same period.

2.5 The average value of residential properties in Palmerston North was $750,536 in the three months ended December 2021, an increase of 29% from the December 2020 quarter (QV estimate). The average value for New Zealand was $1,006,632, an increase of 27.6%. The values shown in the Infometrics report are an average of the past 12 months.

2.6 Car registrations in Palmerston North increased by 23% in the year ended December 2021 (national registrations increased by 20%) while the number of commercial vehicles registered increased by 9% (compared to a national increase of 25%).

2.7 It is estimated the annual average unemployment rate in Palmerston North in the year ended December 2021 was 3.4%, which was below the unemployment rate of 3.8% for New Zealand.

2.8 The number of people in Palmerston North registered for the MSD Job Seekers benefit declined by 17% in December 2021 from December 2020, while the number in New Zealand declined by 11.5%. The MSD benefit numbers reported in the Infometrics report are based on the average of the last four quarters.

2.9 Traffic flows in Palmerston North in the year to December 2021 increased by 11% from 2019, while there was an increase of 4% for New Zealand.

2.10 Electronic card tourism spending in Palmerston North was $275 million in the year ended December 2021, increasing by 16% from the previous year (New Zealand increased by 4%).

a. Domestic electronic card visitor spending in Palmerston North was $260 million in the year ended December 2021, increasing by 15% from the previous year (12% increase for New Zealand).

b. International electronic card spending in Palmerston North was $15 million in the year ended December 2021, increasing by 24% from the previous year (44% decline for New Zealand). MBIE is unable to identify the amount of spending on international cards by New Zealanders returning from overseas, so is unable to distinguish between spending by visitors and returning residents.

2.11 Population estimates, based on primary health organisation registrations, suggest Palmerston North’s population increased by 663 people between December 2020 and December 2021, an increase of 0.8% (0.9% increase for New Zealand).

2.12 The Palmerston North Quarterly Economic Monitor report for the December 2021 quarter is attached.

3. Compliance and administration

Does the Committee have delegated authority to decide? If Yes quote relevant clause(s) from Delegations Manual 166		Yes
Are the decisions significant?		No
If they are significant do they affect land or a body of water?		No
Can this decision only be made through a 10 Year Plan?		No
Does this decision require consultation through the Special Consultative procedure?		No
Is there funding in the current Annual Plan for these actions?		No
Are the recommendations inconsistent with any of Council’s policies or plans?		No
The recommendations contribute to Goal 1: An Innovative and Growing City
The recommendations contribute to the achievement of action/actions in Economic Development The action is: Implement Inward Investment Strategy
Contribution to strategic direction and to social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being	Reporting on economic trends in the City and the longer-term outlook for growth is important for encouraging local businesses to invest in growing their business and attracting new businesses to the City.

Attachments

Palmerston North Quarterly Economic Monitor December 2021 ⇩

Memorandum

TO: Economic Development Committee

MEETING DATE: 16 March 2022

TITLE: International Relations and Education Update Report

Presented By: Gabrielle Nguyen, International Relations Manager

APPROVED BY: David Murphy, Chief Planning Officer

RECOMMENDATION TO Economic Development Committee

1. That the Committee note the progress on the International Relations and Education activity over the past six months, contributing to the Economic Development Plan and Innovative and Growing City Strategy.

1. ISSUE

The purpose of this memorandum is to update the Economic Development Committee on the development of Palmerston North’s key international relations and international education outcomes and activities over the past six months, and their contribution to the relevant goal, strategy and plan.

2. BACKGROUND

The position of International Relations Manager was vacant from May 2021–November 2021. Most communication, events and activities during that period were paused.

In addition, programmes such as Global Ambassadors and other ceremonies were postponed due to COVID restrictions.

The International Education function has been transferred to PNCC from CEDA. A new position of International Relations and Education Advisor was created to manage the International Education portfolio and provide support to the International Relations activities.

The International Relations and Education Advisor works with the International Education Leadership Group (IELG) and International Education Manawatu (IEM) on strategic plans and their implementation.

3. Overview of current status

International Relations

The previous International Relations Manager established a solid foundation for the city’s international network. The initial priority of the new International Relations division has been to reconnect with key partners and stakeholders and establish new relationships. Within the first six weeks, all key partners and stakeholders have been contacted and introduced to the new team.

The second priority was for Palmerston North’s annual Lunar New Year celebration in January and the Festival of Cultures in February. All embassies and high commissions based in Wellington received a save the date communication in December 2021 about these events. Much work went into liaising with Massey University, Mercury Energy (the Turitea windfarm), the central New Zealand Distribution Hub and Wildbase Recovery to prepare for a city tour highlighting sustainable development initiatives. When the red-light settings came into effects on January 23, 2022, these events were unfortunately cancelled. Nonetheless, the communication remains open with the diplomatic corp to continue to raise Palmerston North’s profile and promote our emerging sectors.

2022 marks our 40 years sister city relationship with Missoula – USA and 30 years with Guiyang – China. In order to deepen the partnerships, celebrations are being planned in ways to engage the wider public and realise benefits to the art and business communities.

With Missoula, we are discussing:

- A livestreamed introduction to Missoula’s screening of the NZ movie An Angel at My Table as part of their Spring World View Film Series.

- A movie screening of A River Runs Through It – a movie filmed in Missoula and The Power of the Dog – the recent nominee for multiple Oscar awards set in rural Montana in the 1920s but filmed in New Zealand.

- A live chat booth for various groups to connect/reconnect with their counterparts in Missoula.

- A square-dancing event alongside one of the regular Block Party events.

- A potential MOU signing between Downtown Missoula Partnerships and Palmy BID.

- A potential visit to Missoula after October, subject to border controls and covid-19 pandemic.

With Guiyang, we are discussing:

- A seminar on business opportunities for Palmerston North – Guiyang in collaboration with Chamber of Commerce and CEDA

- A potential display of digital artworks from Guiyang’s Bid Data Expo at Te Manawa

- Opportunity to showcase Māori culture and Guiyang’s rich ethnic cultural diversity to the wider communities of both cities.

- Celebrations of the Dragon Boat Festival and the mid-autumn festival in conjunction with local Chinese communities.

In addition, we are working with the New Zealand embassy in Tokyo to produce some visual materials for their social media platform, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between Japan – New Zealand. We are also in communication with other partner cities: Mihara – Japan, Wageningen – the Netherlands, Kunshan – China, and Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam. We expect that deepening our relationships with these cities will open up new opportunities to explore in the coming years.

International Education

The international education function for the city was transferred to PNCC from CEDA from 1 July 2021, in the middle of the COVID pandemic. The once ranked 4^th export industry in New Zealand – worth $5 billion dollars – was significantly impacted. According to Education New Zealand’s (ENZ) study, the total international enrolments in New Zealand decreased by more than 40% in 2020, and further reduced in 2021(see Figure 1 below). Other countries like Canada and Australia have already reopened their borders for international students, meaning New Zealand is losing market share to them and risking a reputation of being unwelcoming to international students.

Chart

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Figure 1: Total enrolments across subsectors 2020

PNCC’s International Education remit includes all schools in Palmerston North but also includes Feilding High School and Nga Tawa Diocesan School outside of the city, Massey University, UCOL, IPU and ETC – our English language school. While the data captured by ENZ in 2020 only shows a slight reduction in international enrolment numbers in the region (see Figure 2 below), this is not a true reflection of the international student numbers present in Palmerston North because all our tertiary institutions offer offshore online learning.

Figure 2: Manawatu-Whanganui enrolments across subsectors 2020

By the end of 2021, IELG reported a further decrease in international student numbers with significant decreases in the school sector. With the exception of Palmerston North Boys’ High School and Palmerston North Girls’ High School who have managed to hold on to 26 and 17 international students respectively, most other schools only have international student numbers in the single digits or none at all in Term 1 2022.

IPU has suffered the most during this pandemic, having lost approximately 80% of total students due to border restrictions and has reported to have an estimated loss of $3 million dollars each year.

UCOL is waiting on a decision on how enrolment will work once it has been completely absorbed as part of Te Pūkenga. There is a concern that if enrolment becomes centralised then Palmerston North will be disadvantaged as students typically prefer to go to the big cities.

A further study produced by ENZ shows that students are not rating their study experience in Palmerston North as high as in other cities (See Figure 3). Therefore, our focus will be on improving a holistic student experience in Palmerston North, getting students to connect deeper with our community, and mapping out a promising career pathway for them so that we are more able to attract and retain young talents and skills in the city.

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Figure 1: Students’ rating of preferred study destination by ENZ

4. stakeholder mapping

The International Relations and Education division works with multiple stakeholders across a wide range of sectors within limited resources. Therefore, it is essential to assess our stakeholder list by impact and influence in order to prioritise and maximise effective communication. This map will constantly be reviewed and re-assessed for accuracy and relevancy.

Stakeholder Map for IR/IE 2022

Meet their needs:

Internal: Marcomms, Library, Te Manawa

External:

Local: IEM, Palmy BID

National: CoreCities, Diplomatic Corp from embassies and high commissions based in Wellington, AsiaNZ Foundation, RIENA, ISANA NZ, ENZ

International: Kunshan – China, Mihara – Japan, Wageningen – The Netherlands

Key players:

Internal: Mayor’s Office, Community Development, Events

External:

Local: CEDA, IELG, Massey University, UCOL, IPU, ETC & local schools

International: Missoula – USA, Guiyang – China

Least important

External:

National: CAPEs, ASEAN Business Council, NZ China Council, NZIIA

International: Sister Cities International, Smart City, Asia Pacific Cities

Show consideration

External:

Local: Chamber of Commerce, Young Chamber, MMC, local ethnic groups, Skilled Migrant Network

National: Global Cities NZ, Ministry of Ethnic Communities, INZ, MFAT, MOE, NZTE, CLAIR

International: Offshore NZ embassies and high commissions, Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam

Interest of Stakeholders

5. activity updates

Desired outcomes as outlined in the international relations chapter of the economic development plant	Activities to date	Next steps
Palmerston North has a positive international reputation and is successful in attracting investment, businesses, visitors and students.	· Reconnected with Embassies and High Commissions and invited to 2022 Festival of Cultures with a special city tour prepared with a ‘Sustainability and Distribution’ theme. This was cancelled due to the shift to red light settings. · Renewed dialogue with Wageningen City Council to formalise a strategic partner city relationship. · Designed a diplomats’ city tour for 2022 Festival of Cultures with a focused theme on Sustainability and Distribution which has been cancelled under the red-light settings.	· Invite a small number of relevant diplomats to the New Zealand AgriFood Talks 2022. · Organise diplomat visit to city highlights i.e. Central New Zealand Distribution Hub, Wildbase Recovery Centre, Massey University School of Aviation etc.
Rangitāne o Manawatū have opportunities for involvement in projects and initiatives to achieve the partnership aspirations identified in this plan.		· Connect and engage with Rangitāne on the matter of official city gifts to Missoula and Guiyang on our anniversaries. · Engage with Rangitāne on the orientation programme for international students to the city, the concept of kotahitanga and extending āwhina to everyone.
Rangitāne o Manawatū and Council have clearly defined roles in civic engagement on behalf of the community
Palmerston North has a rationalised network of global city partnerships and is focused on managing them well
· Reconnected with our international partner cities Missoula, Guiyang, Kunshan, Mihara, and Wageningen. · Established reliable digital communication channels for regular dialogue. · Sent Mayoral letter to congratulate Ambassador Ito on Japan’s National Foundation Day (11 Feb) and remark on 70 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and New Zealand. · Reconnected with ENZ in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) to organise the official signing of the MOU on Education between the two cities.	· Continue to work on finalising the celebration plans with each city. · Ensure that each activity planned can still go ahead under red light settings but has the flexibility to expand if we move back to orange or green. · Start planning a Mayoral visit to commemorate these significant milestones as well as to reconnect with our longest-standing sister city relationships. The trip will be planned for the end of the year when our border is reopened.
The City has excellent economic and education connections to its international partners	· Initiated discussions with local stakeholders i.e. CEDA, Manawatu Chamber of Commerce, Te Manawa, etc. on how to better utilise our international city partnerships for the community’s economic, educational and cultural development. · Attended Japan’s Local Government Exchange & Cooperation Seminar focused on the Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy to establish networks.
A greater proportion of visitor spending in Palmerston North is by international visitors	· Discussed virtual tours with NZ Nature Highlights to increase level of attraction of international visitors to Palmerston North utilizing digital platforms	· Collaborate with Marcomms and other relevant stakeholders to tell the Palmy story to the world
There are deeper relations with Palmerston North global city partners, and greater economic, education and community cooperation.	· Prioritised sister city anniversary’s celebrations: Missoula – 40 years (Oct 1982), Guiyang – 30 years (Aug 1992). · Mayors of Guiyang and Palmerston North exchanged letters of greeting and support as we entered the new year. · Worked together with our partners to draft a bilateral celebration for each city in which activities will be planned for every 2-3 months, commencing in March 2022. Activities proposed include: movie showing events, digital art displays, live chat booths, educational exchange/programmes in schools, etc.	· Discuss a MOU on collaboration between Palmy BID and Downtown Missoula. · Discuss to organise a seminar to introduce business opportunities between Guiyang and Palmy in collaboration with CEDA, Manawatu Chamber of Commerce, Guiyang City, and AsiaNZ Foundation.
The community is familiar with the city’s international city partnerships and have opportunities to be involved through the Global Ambassadors programme.	· Connected with Te Manawa to arrange for a long-term display of partner cities’ gifts with an educational purpose for a young audience.	· Discuss educational programmes with the library and explore a set-up enabling our community and sister city communities to interact virtually. · Plan social media posts with MarComms to share with our community about our international city relationships and opportunities to get involved. · Plan to collaborate with ENZ and ISANA NZ on a Global Citizenship programme for school students. · Liaise with Community Development and Youth Space to revive the city’s Global Ambassador programme.
Palmerston North is internationally recognised as a preferred destination in New Zealand for international education and research.	· Attended ENZ Brief for Regions – Studying Sustainability in Aotearoa New Zealand webpage for Japanese audience.	· Liaise with MarComms and CEDA to review and update existing collaterals for promoting Palmy as a preferred study destination. · Exploring work with ENZ and the US National Science Foundation to connect indigenous academics to post videos of the MULTIPLIER event. · Exploring work with ENZ and the Global Engagement Office at the University of Montana to engage indigenous community members around international education and partnering with NZ. · Review marketing materials to promote Palmy as a preferred study and research destination
Opportunities for digital engagement are maximised.	· Registered to attend Smart City Summit on Smart City Planning and Digital Transformations.
Recovery from the disruption of international education and other activities occurs as quickly as possible and is supported by strong international city partnerships.	· Worked with IELG on regional strategy for IE recovery. · Discussed IE Advisor’s role and the future working relationship between PNCC, IELG and IEM. · Established connections with all institutions and schools to form appropriate working groups and work with IEM on implementation. · Connected with ENZ, ISANA NZ, and the Regional International Education Network Aotearoa (RIENA) to keep abreast with the national IE recovery plan and advocacy.	· Attend Local Government COVID-19 Community and Business Reactivation and Recovery Initiatives Forum by CLAIR.

6. Compliance and administration

Does the Committee have delegated authority to decide? If Yes quote relevant clause(s) from Delegations Manual		Yes
Are the decisions significant?		No
If they are significant do they affect land or a body of water?
Can this decision only be made through a 10 Year Plan?		No
Does this decision require consultation through the Special Consultative procedure?		No
Is there funding in the current Annual Plan for these actions?		Yes
Are the recommendations inconsistent with any of Council’s policies or plans?		No
The recommendations contribute to Goal 1: An Innovative and Growing City
The recommendations contribute to the achievement of action/actions in Economic Development Plan The actions in the: International Relations Chapter
Contribution to strategic direction and to social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being	The International Relations 6-month report outlines the progress of actions in the International Relations Chapter, which contributes to the Economic Development Plan and Innovative and Growing City Strategy.

Attachments

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Leonie Hapeta (Chairperson)
Vaughan Dennison (Deputy Chairperson)
Grant Smith (The Mayor)
Brent Barrett	Patrick Handcock ONZM
Susan Baty	Orphée Mickalad
Rachel Bowen	Bruno Petrenas
Zulfiqar Butt	Aleisha Rutherford
Renee Dingwall	Ruma Karaitiana
Lew Findlay QSM

1.	Health Care and Social Assistance Sector Profile 2022 - Executive Summary ⇩
2.	Health Care and Social Assistance Sector Profile 2022 ⇩
3.	Logistics Sector Profile 2022 - Executive Summary ⇩
4.	Logistics Sector Profile 2022 ⇩