Business group warns against complacency
March 11, 2005
While North Shore City's economy has many positive attributes today, future economic prosperity will be ensured
by not resting on the laurels of past success. This was a key message from a focus group of Enterprise North Shore's
(ENS) Board of Trustees, held recently.
The city's economy is in strong competition, not only with other New Zealand cities but also with cities within
the Asia-Pacific region and across the world. This, says ENS chief executive officer, Terry Hoskins, is one of the main
reasons against complacency.
"Our economy enjoys a wonderful natural environment, a great entrepreneurial community and proud, passionate
people who are the basis of a quality workforce.
"To continue to be a prosperous international city, we must keep our game up in terms of effort and investment,"
he says.
The business focus group was part of the Your words...are your city's direction project currently being run by
the North Shore City Council. The project's goal is to facilitate a 'conversation', and collect feedback on what people
value about their city now, and the kind of city they want for the future.
The council's strategic development manager, Lesley Jenkins, says the so-called conversation will run through to
the end of April and stresses that people need to participate to have their opinions recorded.
"We're happy with feedback received so far but I encourage everyone who hasn't had input to fill in a feedback
form on the council website, send us an email or give us a call.
"We're reaching out to the widest possible audience and are starting to see the real strength of the project -
its openness. By providing a 'blank sheet' we're encouraging people to think responsibly about what the future could
hold for their families and communities," she says.
To find out more about Your words...are your city's direction people are invited to visit
www.northshorecity.govt.nz, call 486 8600, email yourwords@northshorecity.govt.nz or ask at their local library, leisure
centre or council office.
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