Auckland Regional Economic Development Strategy

The Auckland Regional Economic Development Strategy outlines a vision for the Auckland region to be "an internationally competitive, inclusive and dynamic economy; a great place to live and conduct business; and a place buzzing with innovation, where skilled people work in world-class enterprises".

The strategy also provides framework for building alignment, collaboration and a common direction for the many people, communities, businesses and agencies who can make a difference to the quality of the region's economy. It was developed in 2002 using principles of sustainable economic development to achieve positive social, cultural, environmental and economic outcomes.

It was developed through a partnership with the ARC, local councils, central government, business, educations, Maori and the public.

The strategy's vision will be progressed by implementing the actions specified in the Metro Project Action Plan, launched in 2006.

Strategy framework

The strategy has eight elements for improving regional performance: 

Outward focus connecting us with the world 

1. Promote the Auckland region 

• Raise international awareness and recognition of the Auckland region as a great place to live, work, play and visit.

2. Encourage innovation and excellence

•  Foster an environment in which new ways of thinking and doing things are encouraged.

3. Develop overseas markets

• Gain international recognition for Auckland as a dynamic Asia-Pacific leader in trade and investment
• Encourage businesses to build relationships and succeed in overseas markets
• Maximise opportunities from expatriate and migrant networks.

4. Support exports

• Encourage dynamic, well-prepared companies that are exporting successfully
• Support companies and sectors with the potential to lead improved export success.

Exceptional people, cultures, environment and infrastructure

5. Provide a high quality living environment 

• Take steps to create a region rich in arts and culture, vibrant, cosmopolitan, safe, and attractive, offering a wide variety of choices for living, working, playing and visiting.
  

6. Build an entrepreneurial culture

• Foster an environment in which people are motivated to look for opportunities, are willing to take risks and are prepared to be flexible in pursuing opportunities. 
   

  Outward focus connecting us with the world	1.	Promote the Auckland region	Raise international awareness and recognition of the Auckland region as a great place to live, work, play and visit.
  	2.	Encourage innovation and excellence	Foster an environment in which new ways of thinking and doing things are encouraged.
  	3.	Develop overseas markets	Gain international recognition for Auckland as a dynamic Asia-Pacific leader in trade and investment Encourage businesses to build relationships and succeed in overseas markets. Maximise opportunities from expatriate and migrant networks.
  	4.	Support exports	Encourage dynamic, well-prepared companies that are exporting successfully Support companies and sectors with the potential to lead improved export success.
  Exceptional people, cultures, environment and infrastructure	5.	Provide a high quality living environment	Take steps to create a region rich in arts and culture, vibrant, cosmopolitan, safe, and attractive, offering a wide variety of choices for living, working, playing and visiting.
  	6.	Build an entrepreneurial culture	Foster an environment in which people are motivated to look for opportunities, are willing to take risks and are prepared to be flexible in pursuing opportunities.
  	7.	Produce a skilled and responsive labour force	Create a virtuous cycle of business growth and skills development that increases productivity and participation in education, training and the labour force, creating a community able to respond to changing opportunities.
  	8.	Deliver a high quality and responsive government	Foster effective relationships between business and government by facilitating a sound regulatory environment in which business can operate efficiently, and which will attract new businesses to the region.