As a leader in our region, I’ve seen first-hand how collaborative leadership can be a game-changer for the Waikato’s growth and prosperity. Let me share with you why I’m passionate about this approach and how it’s making a real difference for our region and beyond.

In today’s world, the challenges we face can’t be solved by working in isolation. Solutions have to reach beyond geographic and political boundaries.

Our work through initiatives such as the Mayoral Forum, the Upper North Island Strategic Alliance (UNISA), and the regional sector group, which brings together regional and unitary councils from around the country, highlights the value of working together to achieve shared goals.

Take the Mayoral Forum, which is driving real change. When I sit down with mayors from across our region, I see firsthand how open dialogue and consensus-building can lead to significant progress. We're tackling issues like housing, transport, and economic development head-on because we're aligned in our vision for the Waikato.

UNISA illustrates the power of regional cooperation. By partnering with Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and Northland, we’re addressing issues that are larger than any individual council, from freight efficiency to environmental stewardship. And when we speak with one voice in Wellington, people listen. We're making sure the government understands how crucial the Upper North Island is to New Zealand's success.

I'm particularly excited about Waikato Waters Done Well. It's a great example of how collaboration can lead to innovation. By working together, we're setting new standards for sustainable water practices that will benefit our region for generations to come.

And let's not forget about the regional deals on the horizon. These are an opportunity to align our investments with our priorities. But here's the thing: their success depends on us presenting a unified front and a shared vision. That's where our collaborative approach really shines.

I was thrilled last year when our Future Proof Implementation Committee met with Bay of Plenty's SmartGrowth team. These kinds of connections help us manage growth more effectively across our regions.

Collaboration isn't a nice-to-have. It's essential. And it helps when we foster an abundance mindset over a scarcity mindset. We have to leave behind the ‘if I win, you lose’ school of thought.

When I see leaders from different sectors and regions coming together, I know we're on the right track. It creates an environment where businesses can thrive, where we can keep up with infrastructure needs, where housing is affordable, and where we're taking care of our environment.

Prioritising collaboration means we’re not just shaping the Waikato’s future, we’re setting an example for regional leadership in New Zealand and beyond.

As a region poised for transformative growth, the key to unlocking our potential lies in collaborative leadership. By working together, we will create a brighter, more prosperous future for everyone in our region. Now that's a goal worth striving for!