Topic 4: Are there better ways to boost growth and penguins?

Let's talk more about the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony and Tourism Waitaki.

Supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth for our district and communities.

The Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony (ŌBPC) is a real gem for the Waitaki District. It gives visitors a chance to see and learn about our little blue penguins (kororā) in their natural habitat. People love watching the penguins come back from their day out at sea every evening. These adorable blue penguins are a huge attraction for Ōamaru and play a big role in boosting our local tourism and economy.

But the colony isn't just about tourism, it's also heavily focused on research and conservation. At its heart is a long-term conservation programme that protects the penguins, ensures their population stays stable, and shares these insights both nationally and internationally. The colony’s Science and Environmental Manager is one of New Zealand’s top experts on kororā little blue penguins.

The Waitaki Destination Management Plan and the Uplifting Waitaki: Hāpaitia te Waitaki Economic Development strategy both emphasise the need to create new products and experiences to encourage more overnight stays and visitor spending. This includes developing and promoting the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony.

We're looking at two proposals for the future of economic development in the district.

One idea is to turn Tourism Waitaki Ltd into an Economic Development Agency (EDA) that focuses on the district's economic growth, including tourism.

The other idea is to make the Penguin Colony its own separate company, still owned by us on behalf of the community.

Tourism Waitaki Ltd is currently – 100% owned by Council but operates as a separate company, reporting annually to Council on its performance. While Council will own the EDA, the intention of the EDA is to expand the focus on growth through economic development across all industry – rather than just focusing and investing in Tourism which contributes 2.6% to our GDP. (Infometrics January 2025)

The EDA would operate independently from the Council and manage key programmes focused on long-term sustainable economic growth. This would include marketing and promoting Waitaki as a destination. EDA, separate from the council, would be more agile and flexible in implementing new opportunities and accessing different funding sources (like grants and partnerships with private investors), reducing reliance on ratepayer contributions over time. The EDA’s finances would be audited separately to ensure accountability and transparency.

We are a proud community with huge potential as a district, and we want to establish the means support, develop and lead opportunities for economic growth right across our district to which we believe we can do through the formal establishment of an EDA.

Right now, the ŌBPC is part of Tourism Waitaki Ltd, and its profits help fund marketing and promotion for the district.

We've made it clear that there are no plans to sell the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony (ŌBPC) and we reiterate that statement.

Making the ŌBPC a standalone company would let the colony focus more on growing environmental tourism and conservation. This would mean developing new offerings and investing in research and conservation to keep it a key attraction for the district.

As a separate company, the colony could see the benefits from more focused management, investment, development, and promotion. Over time, as a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO), the ŌBPC could generate new income streams and dividends for the Council.

With the proposals that have been presented in the consultation document, both organisations would have the freedom to operate more flexibly and take on managed risks outside of Council mandates.

By creating an EDA and making the ŌBPC a CCO, Council aims to stimulate sustainable economic growth and tourism and foster partnerships that benefit the Waitaki district and its residents.