Councils publish assessments of region and city

The 4.6 per cent economic growth experienced by Auckland city in the year ended March 2002 was well ahead of both the regional and the national growth rates for the same period.

This and more information on business and economic conditions in the region and city is contained in two publications being launched this evening:

Business & Economy – Auckland Region by the Auckland Regional Council and Auckland City: Business and the Economy: Hub of the Auckland Region by the Auckland City Council.

Councillor Mark Donnelly, chairperson of Auckland City Council’s Strategy and Governance Committee, says the publications are an excellent assessment of the economic achievements to date of the region and city, as well as a blueprint of what we can expect in the foreseeable future.

“The region and the city have been propelled forward recently by rapid population growth, vibrant real estate activity and strong employment in health, business and property services.

“However, we cannot rely on our past achievements to provide for the future. There are areas for concern and therefore areas in need of attention and action.

These include an over reliance on net migration growth, third world roading and public transport infrastructure, a very low take-up of broadband technologies, and the fact we are still 15 per cent below the main Australian cities in GDP per capita.

“We must address these and other issues if we are to achieve growth on a sustainable basis. Auckland City Council is determined to play its part and we welcome the involvement of other partners, be they from the business community or other local authorities. “To this end, Auckland City Council welcomes initiatives such as the commitment across the region to improving the transport network and supporting AREDs – the Auckland Regional Economic Development Strategy, ” says Councillor Donnelly.

Gwen Bull, Chair of the Auckland Regional Council which co-hosts tonight’s launch, also reiterates the importance of lifting growth over the longer term and highlights AREDS as a key initiative.

AREDS sets a vision and framework for moving the Auckland economy forward. It is based on widespread partnership across the region between local and central government, business, education, Maori, Pacific peoples and community groups.

"AREDS is an exciting and inclusive approach. There is much work to be done through its implementation, and I commend all those that are supporting and driving it for the benefit of the region," says Councillor Bull.

Business & Economy – Auckland Region and Auckland City: Business and the Economy: Hub of the Auckland Region were published using information provided by Infometrics and the National Bank of New Zealand.

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