Transforming Auckland's Economy Up to the Region

18 May 2006

Media Release

Transforming Auckland’s Economy – It’s Now Up to the Region!

As well as putting Auckland’s road network completion at the centre of the economic transformation strategy, it is pleasing to see the Budget also increases funding of some other key constraints holding back Auckland’s business-led growth:

- improving skills

- revitalizing tertiary education and training

- increased R&D for high value export led growth

- export market development initiative

- promoting NZ as a tourism destination

“The $500m for these initiatives are all important planks in getting Auckland’s economy up to speed”, said Michael Barnett, Chief Executive, Auckland Chamber of Commerce.

These initiatives are all keys to unlocking Auckland’s growth potential – and it is now up to the region to make good use of these funding opportunities.

The major missing plank in Auckland’s infrastructure shortfall agenda is the lack of a firm action plan to secure Auckland’s energy supply certainty. That’s an issue the Budget should have addressed.

ENDS

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