East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick acknowledges new regional GDP figures showing solid economic growth across Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty, saying the results reflect the strength and resilience of East Coast communities and industries.

The most recent figures released by Stats NZ show regional gross domestic product increased by 4.7 percent in Gisborne and 5.4 percent in the Bay of Plenty in the year ended March 2025, both well above the North Island average of 2.8 percent.

The provisional data highlights wide variation in regional economic performance across Aotearoa, with growth largely driven by agriculture and primary industries, particularly in regions with strong rural economies.

Ms Kirkpatrick said the figures are encouraging for the East Coast, where primary production, horticulture, forestry, and rural services play a central role in local livelihoods.

“We do accept that many families and businesses will not be feeling this in their own circumstances right now following the challenges with the Middle East and the subsequent rapid increases in fuel costs. However, these results show that despite ongoing pressures, East Coast communities continue to contribute strongly to the national economy,” Ms Kirkpatrick said.

“Growth in places like Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty reflects the hard work of farmers, growers, rural contractors, and the wider workforce who keep our regional economy moving.

“Whilst this result reflects the year to March 2025, it is fair to acknowledge that the region has had some very challenging times in the past few months with weather events, road closures and now the fuel crisis. We will have to remain strong, practical and efficient to weather this new storm.”

Stats NZ notes that higher agricultural commodity prices, particularly in the dairy sector, supported GDP growth across a number of regions during the year. While South Island regions recorded the strongest overall growth, several North Island regions with significant rural economies also performed well.

Ms Kirkpatrick said the figures reinforce the importance of continued investment in regional infrastructure, workforce development, and rural services.

“Our economy here is closely tied to land-based industries, and when the region performs well it flows through to jobs, local businesses, and community wellbeing,” she said.

“These numbers are a reminder that policy decisions made in Wellington have real consequences for regional New Zealand.

Ongoing support for the primary sector and for rural communities is essential to sustaining this momentum – including making sure our roads and supporting infrastructure and technology are fit for purpose and resilient.

“A strong East Coast economy doesn’t happen by accident.

It comes from backing the people and industries that drive growth locally and making sure regional New Zealand is recognised in economic decision-making,” she said.

Regional GDP figures for the year ended March 2025 are provisional and will be updated as further data becomes available.