KEY POINTS:
Aucklanders earn on average 20 per cent more and work harder than other New Zealanders, say a group of economic consultants.
They also say local government reform will be good for the region's economy, but it is only one piece in the jigsaw for economic transformation.
Covec makes the assessments in two reports commissioned by the Royal Commission of Inquiry on Auckland Governance. Looking at Auckland's performance as a growth engine for the New Zealand economy is one of the terms of reference the Government set for the royal commission.
The reports say that despite Aucklanders working harder and earning more, the economy has not been growing much faster than in other parts of the country overall and there is little evidence it is having an impact on them.
"Auckland has the potential to play a greater role in the national economy in the future," the authors said.
In one report, The Composition and Scale of Auckland's Economy, Covec says Auckland is home to 33 per cent of New Zealanders, and this is expected to rise to almost 40 per cent, or two million people, by 2031.
The consultancy says data shows Auckland is losing population to other parts of New Zealand, but this is offset by migrants favouring Auckland and a higher birth rate because of the relatively high concentration of 15- to 39-year-olds.
Auckland's employment is heavily concentrated in distribution jobs such as wholesale trade, transport and storage, and in property, business, finance and insurance.
When it comes to manufacturing, construction and utilities, Auckland is in line with Wellington and Canterbury.
The presence of major sea and air ports is another important contributor to the Auckland economy.
Covec noted pressure for rationalisation of ports - discussions have already taken place between Auckland and Tauranga - and said: "The key question here is over how such decisions will, or should, be made?"
Referring to Auckland's need to get on to a new growth path to play a more significant economic role, Covec says: "It is most unlikely that any single project will be the catalyst for a new Auckland economy, but several projects could do so in combination.
"Some are already under way, such as addressing transport needs and the commission's own focus on governance issues," said the authors, John Small and Chris Sweetman.
The previous Labour Government and the new National Government have expressed a strong desire to improve the country's powerhouse as a place to live, work and do business.
Prime Minister John Key has said the status quo is not a long-term option and the Government supports change. Going along with the expected recommendation from the royal commission for a super city is likely to be part of the Government's economic push.
"There is a sense that a step change is required," the authors said.
"It is apparent in the Government's economic transformation agenda, and in the focus central government politicians of all parties attach to getting Auckland on to a new trajectory.
"We fully endorse the desirability of such a change."
NATION'S ENGINE ROOM
* Aucklanders earn 20 per cent more than other New Zealanders.
* Aucklanders work harder - gross domestic product per worker is 33 per cent higher than the rest of New Zealand.
* The region has a high concentration of jobs in distribution/finance/property/business/insurance.
* Economic consultants Covec say Auckland needs to play a greater role in the national economy.
