Part four of the Project Auckland series looks at 'Prosperity and Profile'
AucklandPlus Acting Chairman Ross Peat says more than 100 Australian companies attended the September 8 event in Sydney.
The largest sectors represented were the ICT industry and the investment community. "Representatives from both industries included companies who already have Auckland-based operations, and are now interested in extending their work here, as well as those who are considering Auckland in the future," Peat says.
"There were also large numbers of Australian business services suppliers, such as accountants and lawyers, who represent large multi-national corporations now eying up Auckland. Representatives from the bioeconomy, marine, food and beverage, real estate and infrastructure and tourism industries also attended."
Peat says the Australian companies were particularly interested in hearing the complete "Auckland story". "Many of them saw this event as the first opportunity they've been given to hear about the entire Auckland area's capability and offering in one evening, from a combined source of experts. They see the formation of the Super City as an opportunity to make doing business over here easier. They also see the Rugby World Cup next year as an opportunity to come over and see the changes happening in Auckland for themselves, and build long-term relationships.
"There was also real surprise and interest in the fact that Auckland will be Australasia's largest city per head of population under one governance, and one set of rules," he says. "Auckland's potential as a true large-scale business partner really took many by surprise.
"Anecdotally too, the feedback was that the hype many New Zealand businesses place around 'transtasman rivalry' is unfounded, and many Australian businesses in fact see Auckland and New Zealand as an extension of their home markets."
Peat says with the event only being held last week, it's too early to say if any specific deals have resulted. "But we're confident that the conversations started at this event will have tangible business outcomes. This is part of a sustained programme of activity designed to make the most of the Super City change, and the Rugby World Cup 2011 business opportunities. We've got a comprehensive follow-up programme planned."
