Memo to Auckland: Think global to prosper

By ELLEN READ

Auckland's economic prosperity will increase only if the region expands its participation in the global economy, says an Auckland Regional Economic Development Strategy draft issued yesterday.

The domestic market offered limited opportunities for growth, and with Auckland already dominant in New Zealand an Asia-Pacific role was vital, it said.

The action plan would focus on foreign investment, immigration and exporting when it was finalised after the election.

The group behind the plan is financed by Auckland region councils and Industry New Zealand. It aims to build a partnership between central and local government, businesses, Maori and communities to create an economic development plan.

Initiatives in the draft include:

* Developing an integrated marketing programme for the region.

* Providing a facilitation point for overseas visitors and businesses.

* Developing an information and communications technology plan for the region.

* Developing a regionally co-ordinated approach to incubation.

* Maximising opportunities from expatriate and migrant networks.

* Establishing programmes to help small and medium-size businesses to expand internationally.

* Establishing programmes to help small and medium businesses supply multi-national enterprises as subcontractors.

* Using migrant skills to meet the skills gap.

Peter Menzies, Auckland Regional Economic Development Strategy chairman, said a lot of work still had to be done and a small group of leaders would be delegated to carry out that task.

One of their jobs would be to develop the frequently mentioned permanent regional economic development agency to "guide and assist economic growth".

Over the next year detailed plans of action would be prepared with implementation set for the middle of next year.