Progress updates

Delivery of the Metro Project Action Plan continues to progress well as indicated in the report below.

Progress since the last report to the Forum includes:

Objective 1: take effective and efficient action to transform Auckland's economy

• completion and endorsement of One Plan (version 1) including Digital Auckland
• work has started on the implementation of One Plan Version 1

Objective 2: develop world-class infrastructure and world-class urban centres

• The Regional Sustainable Development Forum has resolved that a regional infrastructure plan will be developed within the context of One Plan for the Auckland region. This will commence with an infrastructure inventory that will be completed in August 2009.
• Progress is being made on the regional energy strategy and related action plans.
• Development of a regional umbrella statement to accompany regional expressions of interest to the Broadband Investment Fund. The Fund is however on hold following this year's general election.
• The Rugby World Cup Host Region Agreement has been concluded; Auckland will host the Bronze final at Eden Park of the Rugby World Cup.
• Significant work is underway in a number of strategic centres and locations across the region. This includes master planning and infrastructure investment led by local councils, developers or a partnership. Locations include the Waterfront, Orakei, Onehunga, Newmarket, Manukau City Centre, Milford, Hobsonville, Flat Bush, Tamaki, and New Lynn.

Objective 3: transform Auckland into a world-class destination

• a regional brand for the Auckland region was launched in September 2008,
• the Auckland Regional Council has allocated $500,000 to tourism promotion,
• a regional visitor strategy and regional events strategy have been released.

Objective 4: develop a skilled and responsive labour force

• The Regional Knowledge Hub, partly funded by the Regional Strategy Fund, will provide a web-based one-stop shop for information on the region's economy and labour market.
• A new productivity programme called Growing Productive Businesses is being developed to target SMEs.
• Career Pathways project successfully put forward as an intervention for the Tamaki Transformation Project. Approval of implementation programme pending.
• Industry specific skills development projects as part of the Digital Content progamme of actions.

Objective 5: increase Auckland's business innovation and export strength

• A Marine Feasibility Study is being carried out between October and May, partly funded by the Regional Strategy Fund.
• Delivery of the Digital Content Programme of Actions has started.
• Major progress that has been made in the investment work stream includes:
• A communications programme has been developed for greater awareness of investment opportunities.
• ‘Fuel for your business' book has been produced by NZ Venture Capital Association.
• The Angel Capital Association NZ has been launched.
• Research undertaken to determine which cities similar to Auckland have international connection strategies and outcomes (Luxembourg, Santiago, Dublin, Sydney, Vancouver, Stockholm, Kuala Lumpur, Copenhagen, Helsinki).
• Action plan developed to encourage investors (VC funds and Angels) to provide funding to early stage high growth companies.

Updated January 2009