Is your idea worth $100,000?

If you had $100,000 to grow science, technology and innovation in Hutt City what would you do? We'd like your ideas.

There has been quite a lot of discussion lately about science and technology in Hutt City, partly fuelled by the government’s High Value Manufacturing Review and the implications this might have for Industrial Research Limited (IRL) and jobs in Hutt City.

Development services general manager, Kim Kelly, recognises that if Council focusses more of its economic development resource on jobs in this sector (which creates an estimated $240,000 of value to the city per job). This will then also flow on to jobs in other sectors such as retail and entertainment.

"In our annual plan this year, we’ve provided funds to the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce to put some emphasis on this area of science, technology and innovation. We’ve also set aside $100,000 for further work in this area."

"We’ll be advising our mayor and councillors on the best way to spend this money. It is important that the funds are used for something that moves the city forward in this area and starts to show tangible results for the city and those in the sector. We want input from the business community on this."

"This could include anything from an industry stock take or survey, using the money to attract a particular science or technology business, networking, communication, a spatial or development plan, bringing a key science or technology event to the city or creating a workforce development plan to ensure a longer term workforce."

"We will use your ideas to help design our recommendations to Council. We’ll also share your ideas with you in the August edition of our Thrive enewsletter."

Tell us what you think and send your ideas by 5 August to thrive@huttcity.govt.nz.