Our Role
Working with Businesses, Communities and Partners to Strengthen the Clutha District
Clutha Development is the district's economic development organisation. We work alongside businesses, communities, local government, iwi, education providers and industry partners to identify opportunities, respond to challenges and support sustainable economic growth.
Our role is not to deliver every service ourselves. Instead, we bring people together, connect ideas with opportunities, coordinate initiatives and help turn local priorities into practical outcomes.
Whether we are supporting a business to grow, attracting investment, developing workforce initiatives or promoting the district through CluthaNZ, our focus is on creating long-term benefits for the Clutha District.
Our Strategic Priorities
Everything we do contributes to four strategic priorities that guide our work and help shape a thriving future for the district.
Enabling Thriving Communities and Local Economies
Strong communities are the foundation of a strong economy.
We work with communities, organisations and partners to support local initiatives, strengthen connections and help identify opportunities that improve quality of life across the district.
This includes community-led projects, housing initiatives, employment support, volunteer coordination and programmes delivered through Heartland Services.
Empowering Workforce and Business Growth
Successful businesses create employment, investment and opportunities for local communities.
We work alongside businesses to understand their needs, provide information and connections, support workforce attraction and retention, and facilitate initiatives that help businesses grow and adapt.
From business engagement and workforce initiatives to training referrals and networking opportunities, we help connect businesses with the people and support they need to succeed.
Attracting People and Investment
Clutha is a great place to live, work, visit and invest.
Through Clutha Development and our destination brand CluthaNZ, we promote the district to attract visitors, new residents, skilled workers and investment that contributes to long-term economic growth.
Our work includes investment attraction, destination development, workforce attraction and promoting the opportunities the district offers.
Preparing Businesses for the Future
Building resilience means preparing for change.
We help businesses and communities understand emerging trends, identify future opportunities and access information that supports informed decision-making.
Through research, data, partnerships and strategic projects, we work to strengthen the long-term resilience of the Clutha District.
How We Deliver Value
Every project, partnership and initiative delivered by Clutha Development is built around four complementary roles that guide how we work with businesses, communities and stakeholders.
Engage
We listen, connect and build relationships to understand the needs and opportunities of our district
Enable
We provide information, advice and practical support to help businesses and communities turn ideas into action.
Coordinate
We bring people, organisations and resources together to align efforts and drive collective outcomes.
Promote
We showcase Clutha and champion our people, businesses and opportunities to attract investment, talent and visitors
Working in Partnership
Economic development is a shared effort.
Clutha Development works collaboratively with businesses, community organisations, iwi, the Clutha District Council, central government, education providers, industry organisations and many others to deliver initiatives that strengthen the district.
By bringing people together, sharing information and coordinating effort, we help achieve outcomes that no single organisation could deliver alone.
Interested in becoming part of our network?
Learn how membership supports Clutha Development's work and connects your organisation with initiatives that help shape the future of the district.
Bringing Strategy to Life
Every initiative, partnership and programme undertaken by Clutha Development contributes to one or more of our strategic priorities. From workforce initiatives and business support to community resilience and destination development, our projects are focused on creating lasting benefits for the Clutha District.