Lucy Laitinen. Photo: Supplied
The board of Hawke's Bay's Regional Economic Development Agency (REDA) has resigned, along with chief executive Lucy Laitinen.
In an email, Laitinen said the board's decision was in response to the recent Matariki Governance Group (MGG) review into regional architecture, which recommended the merging of REDA with the Regional Recovery Agency and the formation of a new regional coordination office in 2026.
"While the review originally proposed a nine-month transition process, the REDA Board is stepping aside in June to allow for a quicker transition. We will be working closely with the MGG over the next two months to prepare for the new arrangements," she said.
For the past two years, the region has operated with two parallel regional agencies - the Hawke's Bay Regional Economic Development Agency (HBREDA) and the HB Regional Recovery Agency (RRA) - under the umbrella of MGG, which brings together Hawke's Bay's councils, Post-Settlement Governance Entities (PSGEs), and business leaders.
A report from REDA last year revealed that Hawke's Bay faces ongoing challenges with low productivity, as it's fallen below the national average.
Laitinen said that has put in motion a direction for the region's investment.
"We are encouraged that the MGG has committed, with the upcoming changes, to focus funding on a small set of shared priorities to benefit the region.
"This is not yet goodbye as we are still around for a couple of months. We will update you on a number of our projects in the near future, either by email or on our website," she said.
A 'refreshed approach' for Hawke's Bay
The MGG said a single regional delivery entity will combine the strengths of HBREDA and the RRA.
"A refreshed approach to the way Hawke's Bay delivers its most important shared priorities has been confirmed."
MGG co-chair and Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Alex Walker said the decisions position the region to deliver more with greater clarity and confidence.
"We know the region's success depends on a strong, united approach to the issues that matter most - whether it's water resilience, housing, workforce development or advocating for investment from central government.
"This new structure will help us focus on what really matters and get better results for our communities."
MGG said the report was not a performance review of existing agency, staff or work programmes.
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