Super City could help Auckland businesses expand

Media release
Newmarket Business Association
Friday, 27 March 2009

Super City could help Auckland businesses expand

An Auckland business group says the Royal Commission’s report on Auckland Governance recommending an overriding super city is encouraging and could give a timely boost to Auckland business confidence.

“This is potentially good for business. If done right, a super city structure would help alleviate the current inefficiencies associated with doing business around Auckland,” says Cameron Brewer, head of the Newmarket Business Association.

“Up until new we’ve had different district plans, different consultation processes, different development rules, and different rating structures. That kind of duplication and confusion slows business growth. One city, with one district plan, one set of processes, and one rates demand would make life a lot easier.

“At the moment a lot of consultant and legal fees are wasted on businesses having to start from scratch every time they expand into a new area.

Mr Brewer said under the current structure of eight local territorial local authorities, it’s often confusing, costly and time consuming for the likes of retailers and restaurateurs who want to set up shop in other parts of Auckland.

“We are in the fourth quarter of an economic recession, with business desperate for some positive signals.

“With building consents falling to their lowest since 1994 and with the country keen for positive action, any news to potentially rationalise the rules, regulations and costs around Auckland’s local government will be positively received by business,” says Mr Brewer.

ENDS

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