The performance of industrial promotion committees in some provincial centres - New Zealand

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the concept, structure and achievements of some of New Zealand's Industrial Promotion Committees (IPCs). They were established to encourage industry in provincial centres but little is known about their achievements. It is difficult to attribute any significant industrial development to the efforts of IPCs. This result will disappoint those who believe that the IPC played an important role in encouraging industry - Their efforts conflict with their social-economic milieu. They are loosely organised groups with limited finance. They have neither clearly defined aims nor methods of promotion. They lack ability and authority. These disadvantages left them with little power to control either initial growth or future development of provincial industry.