Economic Development

Kawerau, established as a planned town in the mid 1950s, has matured into a community that offers a range of opportunities.

Centrally located and within close proximity to other major urban Bay of Plenty Centres (55kms from Rotorua, 75kms from Te Puke, 100kms from Tauranga and 35kms from Whakatane).
Within easy reach of lakes, beaches, and thermal areas and with the Tarawera River right on our doorstep, Kawerau is the first choice as the outdoor and adventure playground of the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
High levels of public amenity with an extensive network of parks and reserves and well planted public areas and road berms.
An infrastructure ready to cater for an increased population of up to 15,000 people. The current population is approximately 7,000.
Significant existing housing stock and potential to add to this immediately.
By comparison with the Western Bay of Plenty and Coastal areas, modest land prices for residential sites.
Rail links to the Ports of Tauranga.
An ideal location to optimize central warehousing and distribution.
User-friendly District Plan and planning process.
Commercially sympathetic District Council.
Rates incentives for new businesses.
Existing clusters within the education and engineering industries.
Outdoor recreational potential.
Domestic and international banking facilities.
Established gas and electricity supply.
Good communications networks.
An abundant water supply.

The Kawerau Growth Advantage Strategy, commissioned in November 2005, focused on practical ways that actions could be undertaken to take advantage of the growth that is occurring in the wider Bay of Plenty. It is about taking initiatives that support Kawerau being an attractive and desirable place to live yet work elsewhere. The initial action plan developed from this strategy concentrates on highlighting the benefits of the community through a series of marketing initiatives including re-branding, events management and rejuvenation of the heritage sections of the town.

Kawerau Growth Advantage Study Part One
Kawerau Growth Advantage Study Part Two

Kawerau Enterprise Agency Inc was established in 1985 to improve the economic well being of Kawerau and aims to maximize the use of available resources, grow existing business and attract new business. The first Enterprise Agency in New Zealand and now the only one of its type, KEA Inc is a self-financing operation, independent from Council. For more information on how KEA can help either visit http://www.kea.org.nz, or

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