The West Coast is a beautiful and valuable part of New Zealand, but it has not been valued by the National Government. National has failed to back the West Coast as it faces a shrinking economy, rising crime, and cuts to transport and health spending," Ms Ardern said. "Labour values the West Coast, and our plan will add value to the region and restore much needed health services." Ms Ardern said Labour would make industrial engineering exports a key focus of the West Coast economic development action plan, announced by the Government in July. For the 'export engineering hub' it says it will work with the economic plan governance group and Development West Coast to work up a business case.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 14, 2017 03:33 UTC