Auckland is leading knowledge economy in Australasia

Auckland is leading knowledge economy in Australasia, research shows

Auckland has developed into the leading knowledge economy in Australasia but lags behind international cities in some key measures of competitiveness, according to wide-ranging research released by the Ministry of Economic Development today.

A total of nine reports have been released analysing different aspects such as housing, business location, knowledge intensive activity and the economic linkages between Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga. The findings will be extremely useful for policymakers and the wider Auckland community.

Several key findings emerge from the reports:

• Auckland has the highest proportion of its labour force in the knowledge intensive services sector (services sectors with highly-skilled workforces that invest in development and research) in Australasia. Employment in this area has grown at a faster rate than any other Australasian city.
• The current economic linkages between the three cities of Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga are not as strong as expected, other than in freight.
• Auckland’s industries with the most competitive advantage include food and beverage processing, niche manufacturing (for example, electronics and electrical equipment, health technologies, marine, and metals and metal products) and high-value services (for example, technical services and business services).

These reports have been developed since 2007 in conjunction with the Ministry of Transport, Department of Labour and Ministry for the Environment. The main concluding report highlights five major policy implications that will inform the Auckland Plan:

• Development of a stronger Auckland image and brand
• Development of Auckland’s knowledge resources
• Strengthening Auckland’s connections with international cities
• Understanding that firms and households are interested in a range of amenities when assessing location
• Regulation’s importance in land use and business growth

The Auckland Policy Office’s executive director Louise Marra said:

“Auckland is critical to economic growth in New Zealand. As our only international-sized city it’s essential we have an excellent research base to understand how to boost Auckland’s growth and competitiveness.

“These reports reveal some real strengths but also areas we need to work on. These will be extremely useful for work on the upcoming Auckland Plan.”

To view the reports go to www.med.govt.nz/aucklandresearchprogramme

ENDS

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