The inaugural Toi Te Ihi Regional Prosperity Summit

Building prosperity through regional partnership 

More than 100 leaders from across the Eastern Bay of Plenty gathered at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi on Friday to explore what prosperity means for our region and how we can work together to create a stronger future for generations to come. 

The inaugural Toi Te Ihi Regional Prosperity Summit was delivered through a partnership between Awanuiārangi, Toi EDA and the Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce, bringing together representatives from iwi, business, government, education, industry and community organisations. 

While discussions ranged across economics, workforce development and emerging technologies, a clear theme was reinforced throughout the day. The future of the Eastern Bay of Plenty will be shaped not by external forces, but by the collective decisions, relationships and leadership of the people who call this region home. 

Economist Shamubeel Eaqub challenged attendees to think differently about prosperity, encouraging a shift away from dependence on outside solutions and towards local action, regional accountability and a shared vision for the future. 

The conversation reinforced the importance of long-term thinking over short-term growth, with many speakers highlighting the need to invest in people, capability and community wellbeing as the foundation for enduring prosperity. 

Chief Executive of Awanuiārangi, Professor Wiremu Doherty explained the importance of the conversation for the Wānanga. 

“As a tertiary provider, part of our role is to help develop work-ready people who provide the skills needed to fill jobs within the region, now and in the future. That requires the knowledge and insight that comes from collaboration at an event like this.  

“By bringing leaders together, we can better understand both the opportunities and challenges ahead and identify how education can support the long-term success of the Eastern Bay of Plenty.” 

Throughout the summit, speakers explored the concept of an economy grounded in mana, the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, and the importance of creating a compelling regional identity that inspires people to live, work and invest in the Eastern Bay. 

There was also a strong focus on rangatahi and the need to create pathways that enable young people to see a future for themselves within the region. 

Manager of the Futures Academy, Cindy Lee, said one of the most encouraging aspects of the summit was seeing leaders from different sectors united around a common goal. 

“I’m excited by what’s possible when we bring the community together to discuss prosperity. Our young people need to feel connected to the opportunities that are out there so that they know what is possible and can be inspired.  

“An event like this is so important because regional prosperity comes from young people seeing a future for themselves here.” 

One of the strongest messages to emerge from the summit was the need to turn discussion into action with an ongoing commitment to collaboration and shared accountability for outcomes. 

Toi EDA Chair David Glover said the enthusiasm generated throughout the day demonstrated a strong appetite for continued partnership. 

"Toi Te Ihi was created to shine a light on the opportunities that exist within the Eastern Bay of Plenty, but just as importantly, it has strengthened relationships and created momentum for what comes next. 

"The challenge now is to build on the ideas and energy generated through the summit and turn them into tangible actions that will support the long-term prosperity of our region."