Media release
5 February 2001

SPECTACULAR GROWTH RATE FOR MANUKAU MEANS MORE JOBS

Manukau City Council’s quarterly economic report paints a picture of rapid growth over the past year for Manukau City, with the local economy growing by 3.2% over the September 2000 quarter, taking annual growth to 9.5%. This compares to the New Zealand growth rate of 0.7% in the quarter and 4.5% for the year. Indications for the coming year are that Manukau’s economic growth will continue to be steady.

The unemployed have benefited from the flourishing economic conditions and resulting rise in new jobs. Employment in Manukau increased by 7.2% over the year while the unemployment rate dropped to 7.1% from 8.3% a year earlier.

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis said the expansion is extremely pleasing as it means more jobs for local people, and will help the continuing development of the City.

“One of the Council’s priorities is attracting new businesses here, and making it easier for them to set up their business. The latest figures confirm we are succeeding. I’m delighted, as we are growing at twice the rate of the rest of the country,” he said.

The quarterly survey indicates that over the past year there was much more activity in construction, distribution, education and personal services. Manufacturing also did well. Retail sales were 3.5% higher – much of it attributable to import or wholesale price rises.

Residential construction in Manukau has been slowing steadily since November 1999. The report say this is likely to continue well into 2001 as demand adjusts to supply. In contrast, non-residential construction continues to increase.

Ends
Media Contact:
Gabrielle Hinton
Media Liaison Support Officer
Ph: 09 2637100 x 8650
Fax: 09 2625759
Email: ghinton@manukau.govt.nz

© Scoop Media