Lunch and Learn: Integrated Regional Development: Linking Identity, Industry, and Impact on the West Coast

Join EDNZ for this Deep-Dive Lunch and Learn with Development West Coast (DWC) to explore how a regional economic development agency can align storytelling, sector development, and investment to drive real outcomes.
 
This session will share insights from two major West Coast initiatives. First, DWC’s Enhanced Regional Identity project, which has helped shift national perceptions of the Coast through integrated storytelling, strategic media, and targeted digital campaigns. By celebrating authentic people, place, and lifestyle, the approach has strengthened local pride, attracted new residents, and helped boost visitor spending in the region.

The session will also unpack DWC’s work to strengthen the minerals sector, moving it beyond boom-and-bust cycles toward a more diversified and resilient industry. Through co-investment, workforce and housing initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, and advocacy, DWC is helping unlock a pipeline of projects with the potential to generate billions in exports and hundreds of jobs.

Together, these projects show how economic development agencies can use place-based storytelling and sector enablement to deliver measurable outcomes, lift populations, strengthen industries, and drive regional growth. 

Bios

Heath Milne
Chief Executive, Development West Coast (heath@dwc.org.nz)

Heath leads DWC, the West Coast’s regional economic development agency. A Coaster with international experience as General Manager of ANZCO Foods UK, he brings strong commercial leadership and a passion for growing the region.

Fiona Hill
Economic Development Manager, Development West Coast (fiona@dwc.org.nz)

Fiona leads DWC’s economic development and projects teams. A former business owner, she works closely with local businesses and stakeholders to connect them with the people, opportunities, and support needed to grow and innovate.