New DVD Promotes Investment In Auckland

26 May 2005

New DVD Promotes Investment In Auckland

Major Initiative Unveiled

A key tool designed specifically to promote overseas investment in the Auckland region is to be launched tonight.

’Invest in Auckland’ is a dedicated DVD highlighting the benefits of investing in the Auckland region. It showcases the Auckland region’s strengths and local economy and promotes the region as a single entity.

Its release is a key step in the implementation of the Auckland Regional Economic Development Strategy (AREDS). Developed with funding from New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, as part of their Brand New Zealand programme, the DVD is a highly portable and effective tool.

AREDS chairman, Sandy Maier says ’Invest in Auckland’ presents a unified perspective of the region and puts Auckland on the map for direct foreign investment opportunities.

“It has been created, with support from the region’s eight territorial local authorities and the Committee for Auckland, to draw attention to key sectors, investment areas, talent and skills and provide a flavour of the region.

“It presents the region’s unique blend of lifestyle, business opportunity, support infrastructure, sophisticated industry sectors, global connections and diverse culture.”

Mr Maier said at the same time as launching the DVD, AREDS is establishing a network of “Auckland Ambassadors” in partnership with Committee for Auckland.

“To grow the region and Auckland’s contribution to the national economy, we need to leverage the passion, and commitment, of business leaders and key influencers to become Ambassadors for Auckland.

“The DVD will be an important tool for ambassadors when travelling overseas. ‘Invest in Auckland’ will enable them to communicate the Auckland proposition to the world, stimulating interest in closer working relationships and investment opportunities from overseas.

The DVD will be used by the region’s new investment attraction agency to be implemented by the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) from 1 July. It will be supported by a dedicated website – www.investinauckland.com – to be launched in partnership with the ARC towards the end of June 2005.

Input for the website is being provided by business, industry associations as well as the ARC, other territorial authorities and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

Mr Maier said the recently released Business and Economy 2005 report had indicated the region's economy continued to perform well with 3.8 percent growth over 2004.

“However too much of Auckland's growth has been derived from population growth rather than productivity. Overall the region remains in the bottom quartile of regional rankings.

“We need to promote key initiatives to grow our regional economy, with an outward focus on positioning Auckland, as a whole, to compete internationally.

“We are confident ’Invest in Auckland’ will prove a significant milestone in the growth of our regional economy, and in a wider sense, enhance Auckland’s ability to contribute to national growth.”

ENDS

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