Economic Development Policy branch

I’m Mark Steel, Deputy Secretary of the Economic Development Policy branch at the Ministry of Economic Development.

Our branch provides high quality leadership in economic thinking.

• We provide policy advice on the general environment for business development and business growth in New Zealand.  We lead work to help the government develop and articulate a comprehensive economic growth strategy.
• We’re responsible for developing and delivering (or co-ordinating the delivery of) major economic development projects that contribute to the overall economic growth strategy.
• We are also supporting the economic recovery of Canterbury and Christchurch following the earthquakes with advice and support for businesses, in conjunction with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
  

Our teams

Cities Team

We develop and implement policy for New Zealand’s major cities in order that they contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth (especially Auckland since the local government reforms and the Christchurch rebuild since the earthquakes).

Business Assistance Policy

We develop policy and monitor programmes designed to build business capability, including a focus on small business. Many of these are administered through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise or other organisations.

Business Environment

We provide policy advice on the general environment for business development and business growth in New Zealand. Focus is on system-wide issues and coordination across government on factors that impact on the business environment.

Economic Strategy

We work to help the government develop and articulate a comprehensive economic growth strategy.

NZTE Monitoring

We monitor the performance of Trade and Enterprise.

Research

We provide an evidence base for medium-term decision making about priorities, opportunities, long-term questions and future directions. We publish the economic indicator reports, which track New Zealand’s medium-term economic performance over time and compared with other OECD countries.

Sector Development

We develop and implement policy to support economic growth in priority sectors, including food and health innovation, wine and screen (Film/TV). We are responsible for the Large Budget Screen Production Fund and for the delivery of major economic development projects such as the Food Innovation Network and the Health Innovation Hub.

Key links

• Economic development 
• Science and innovation 
• Economic Indicators reports 

Auckland Policy Office 

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

New Zealand Venture Investment Fund 

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA)