6. Regional Economic Development—West CoastMAUREEN PUGH (National) to the Minister for Economic DevelopmentRegional Economic Development—West Coast6. MAUREEN PUGH (National) to the Minister for Economic Development: What recent announcements has the Government made about economic development on the West Coast?Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister for Economic Development): Yesterday alongside Ministers Adams Bridges and Flavell and of course the local member herself I released the Tai Poutini West Coast Regional Growth Study—a detailed report on the economy of the West Coast that outlines significant potential to attract new investment and diversify the economy of the region. After a strong economic run the West Coast has been affected by global economic headwinds that have dropped international prices for minerals and milk powder although they have started to recover more recently. The West Coast regional growth programme is a unique opportunity for the local community and business leaders to work alongside central government and commit to an action plan to grow the region through new investment and new industries.Maureen Pugh: What economic opportunities for the West Coast does the report identify?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: The report names a number of areas of strength for the West Coast and a range of new opportunities. Of course tourism is one important industry on the Coast with huge untapped further potential based on the stunning scenery and cultural history. In the primary sector although dairy is likely to remain an important part of the economy the Coast is home to a number of food and beverage entrepreneurs exporting high-quality products like cranberries blueberries honey meat and vegetables and power cookies. The report outlines that the minerals industry on the Coast will remain important but industries like aquaculture and ICT will also provide opportunities. Due to its distance from markets high-quality infrastructure is critical to encourage growth on the Coast and this Government will continue to invest in this area.Maureen Pugh: What investment is the Government making to encourage—[Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Order! I am having trouble hearing the question. I want less interjection and it is coming from right across the House.Maureen Pugh: What investment is the Government making to encourage economic growth on the West Coast?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: A couple of months ago I was pleased to announce that Greymouth has become New Zealand's 12th fully fibre town under the Government's ultra-fast broadband (UFB) programme. In addition four West Coast towns—Hokitika Reefton Rūnanga and Westport—are on the candidate list for the next stage of UFB. We are investing more in other critical infrastructure including the Taramakau road bridge duplication near Greymouth and the Mingha Bluff to Rough Creek realignment near Arthur's Pass. There is new tourism development—the Old Ghost Road cycleway involving a $3 million Government investment and our $10 million commitment to create New Zealand's 10th Great Walk between Blackball and Punakaiki to commemorate the Pike 29. This Government is working hard with the West Coast despite the derision of the House.Mr SPEAKER: I thank the Minister.Hon Damien O'Connor: Will this study compensate for the 5 percent annual reduction in GDP and the hundreds of jobs lost on the West Coast after 8 years of a National Government?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: I note for the member that actually employment on the Coast has grown in the last year. The issues of the dairy industry and the minerals industry have caused issues. I also note that the member too was present at the launch yesterday and was very proudly displaying his copy of the report after the launch was released. Thank you very much Damien for showing your support.Hon Damien O'Connor: Having taken the time to read the report how comprehensive is the study when it states that No specific opportunities have been identified for the dairy sector" given this is the second-largest industry in our region and growing—what can we believe? [Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Order! I am vitally interested in the answer so I do want to hear it.Hon STEVEN JOYCE: Perhaps the report writers have been listening to Grant Robertson saying that we should not have anything to do with the dairy industry but the point that they were actually making is that the dairy industry is a mature industry on the Coast. It will continue to be important but the new industries will be adding in alongside the dairy industry that this Government is very keen to support.Hon Damien O'Connor: I seek leave to table this report which states on page—Mr SPEAKER: Order! No. The report is freely available. Members can have a look at it.Hon Gerry Brownlee: What role do iwi play in encouraging economic development in the regions?Hon STEVEN JOYCE: A very important role including for example yesterday on the West Coast when Ngāi Tahu were making the point that they are investing tens of millions of dollars in businesses and new industries that employ thousands of New Zealanders including on the Coast. Iwi's role in regional development is one of the key reasons this Government is keen to progress Treaty settlements as quickly as we can and that is why it is so disappointing—Mr SPEAKER: Order! We do not need any more of the answer. [Interruption] Order!Rt Hon Winston Peters: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. You could see where that Minister was going—rather cack-handedly but very obviously—and he should be stopped in his tracks. Mr SPEAKER: If the member had observed I gave the Minister time before I could observe where he was going. When I saw where he was going I quickly brought the answer to a conclusion.Rt Hon Winston Peters: Thank you very much.Mr SPEAKER: It is my pleasure Mr Peters."