Chamber CEO Stephen Smith: Northland, a prescription for a longer and happier life

From walking and fishing to eating and entertainment, the North has it all. Photo / Michael Cunningham

The North beckons to New Zealanders and those contemplating coming to our shores more strongly than ever before.

A subtropical climate, coupled with an acclaimed coastal region and a magnificent hinterland, is balanced perfectly by a unique investment landscape. It would seem the neglect of the past decade by central government is now being balanced by initiatives, such as the Winston Peters' and Shane Jones' Provincial Growth Fund. This has been a defining action in producing some real momentum for provincial New Zealand and the North in particular. Add to this a council prepared to show the courage to vigorously support change and it would seem the planets are coming into alignment.

Let's take look at just some of the significant projects now committed to:

1. The four-star hotel development slated for Riverside Drive, just down from the Basin Marina.

2. Hihiaua Cultural Centre also on the shores of the Hatea River.

3. Hundertwasser Art Centre.

4. The Loop and other shared walkways/cycle tracks, such as Kamo to inner city.

5. The New Whangārei Marina extension, just east of the Te Matau a Pohe Bridge, in itself an award-winning structure.

6. A new Civic Centre which will facilitate not only a more efficient work space for the council, but a much needed expansion of space for culture and performing arts.

7. The continued expansion of the Packard Museum, an astonishing collection of not only the world's largest number of Packard vehicles, but a massive array of other vehicles and machinery, militia and motorcycles, sited at Maungatapere.

8. The redevelopment of Whangārei's central business district, into an exciting new centre of commerce, entertainment, education and inner city living. The Whangarei District Council and key stakeholders such as landowners and business operators are advancing a cohesive plan that will present a range of cornerstone investment opportunities.

Real estate sales continue at above normal sales rates and the number of new housing builds are above the national norm. Several substantial new housing subdivisions are under way and are helping to maintain a competitive edge in the national house market.

But that's not all! Love fishing? The North has you covered with one of the country's best inshore fisheries, featuring snapper and kingfish and some of the world's best sport fishing, marlin, broadbill and tuna. Mountain bikers are spoilt with numerous technical bike parks and cycleways. Our walking tracks are truly spectacular, for example the Whangārei Heads walking track. Come into town and enjoy some high-quality cuisine at the Town Basin or in the CBD.

All this and an average commute is less than 15 minutes - what's not to like?

There is so much more to say regarding this wonderful part of the country; drop us a line and we will tell you more about working and living in perhaps New Zealand's most inviting environment.

Email us at ceo@northchamber.co.nz