Cheryl MacGregor is finally able to celebrate now that the project she has helped develop during the past 12 months has become a reality.

The Bay of Plenty's Economic Development Strategy was launched last week and aims to use the region's resources for greater economic benefit.
Industries in the Bay of Plenty such as food and beverage, aquaculture, tourism, marine and forestry will develop methods under the strategy to use its resources to enhance productivity.
Cheryl is a senior advisor for regional development at Environment Bay of Plenty and was part of a group that spearheaded the idea for a single strategy for the region.
'It's fantastic. The launch last week was a culmination of the work over the last year. It was a celebration but it was also a chance to reflect on the progress the region has made over the last 12 months,” says Cheryl.
She says the strategy provides the framework for a closer relationship between the various industries, which could potentially increase the region's GDP.
'When everyone works together, that's when we get the successes. The strategy will have a huge impact, not just on the regional economy but also on the national economy.
'So we need to make sure our regional projects link in with, and complement, national strategies,” says Cheryl.
In October the strategy was given a $360,000 boost from central government and the different industries will use the money to find ways to harness its economic potential.
The aquaculture industry, for example, will develop a strategy to look at topics including the best species to grow in the region, the best technology to use and working successfully with local iwi.