A coalition of global businesses has awarded Wellington an “A” for its inclusive policies and economic competitiveness in an international index evaluating 149 cities.

In its City Ratings 2025 Report, the global business coalition Open for Business rated Wellington “fully open for business” and one of the top-performing cities in the Asia-Pacific.

“We remain impressed with how committed Wellington is to inclusion, not just for its LGBTQ+ community but for all residents and visitors,” says Matt Horwood, Director of Communications at Open for Business.

“A city described as ‘Open for Business’ has a hassle-free business environment, transparent governance, strong digital infrastructure, a skilled talent pool, a strong culture of innovation, and a high quality of life with a dynamic cultural environment.

“Essentially, it signifies that a city is not only an attractive and efficient location for businesses to thrive but also a good place for people to live,” explains Mr Horwood.

Mayor Tory Whanau said the recognition from such a respected coalition of global businesses was a significant validation of Wellington’s strategic focus.

“We have long believed that a truly competitive economy is one that embraces inclusivity, ensuring opportunity for all our residents and businesses. This achievement motivates us to further enhance our policies, making Wellington an even more attractive place to live, work, and invest,” says Mayor Whanau.

The Open for Business City Ratings are determined by a combination of 27 metrics, including business environment accessibility, network readiness, corruption levels, innovation ecosystem health, quality of life standards, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity and legal protections. Each city receives a rating indicating whether it is open, progressive, and competitive.

Latest Census data shows that more than 11 per cent of Wellingtonians identify as members of the rainbow community, making Wellington the country’s rainbow capital.

Mr Horwood says the City Ratings Report strengthens the economic case for LGBTQ+ inclusion, highlighting that open, inclusive, and diverse cities are more competitive because they encourage innovation, attract high-skilled workers, and are better at growing high-value businesses.

More information about Open for Business and its City Ratings 2025 Report is available on the coalition’s website.

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