AucklandPlus - the region’s new investment agency

28 April 2006

AucklandPlus - the region’s new investment agency

AucklandPlus is being launched as the region’s official investment agency, dedicated to promoting the Auckland region’s business and investment opportunities worldwide.

AucklandPlus will become synonymous with major regional projects and activities, and will be launched at the Symposium for Auckland, a part of the Metro Auckland project, on Thursday 4 May.

Michael Barnett, Chairman of the Auckland Regional Economic Development Forum and the AucklandPlus Board, says the Auckland region is a world class investment destination.

“We have an enviable mix of diverse and high-quality business opportunities, people-talent and a wonderful lifestyle. AucklandPlus represents all these elements – it’s our regional face to the world,” says Barnett.

The AucklandPlus board comprises Craig Norgate, Greg Muir, former deputy Prime Minister Hon Jim McLay, brand strategist Diana Parry and Michael Barnett.

The Auckland region was recently judged the fifth best place to live on the planet by the Mercer quality of life index, ahead of Melbourne and Sydney, while according to the World Bank, the region rates first in the world for ease of doing business and protecting investors.

“We’ve got a strong dedicated team and a great region to promote,” says AucklandPlus Group Manager, Clyde Rogers.

Rogers says the agency’s immediate objective is to consolidate work done over the past year, which has focused on securing partners and developing projects in five specific sectors: specialised manufacturing in marine and food and beverage, film production, information and communications technology and developing a major events strategy for the region.

AucklandPlus continues the work of the Auckland Regional Council’s economic development unit set up in July 2005 to implement the Auckland Regional Economic Development Strategy. The strategy was developed in partnership with central and local government, and Auckland’s communities and businesses, to improve the region’s economic performance.

AucklandPlus is an independent business unit of the Auckland Regional Council.

ENDS

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