Business North October 2021

| 3 “Whangārei’s importance is underpinned by the fact it’s a hub for Northland, is the only city north of Auckland, and is home to major retail, employment and service centres.” Future looking bright for Whangārei Karen Phelps Key projects for Whangārei include the new town basin park. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Whangārei District Council õ TopGateMarketing | www.topgatemarketing.co.nz | P. (09) 929 6706 Book your free consultation with Abbey Registered Regional Business Partner Network Service Provider Business Marketing Plan Brand Building Let’s Get Visible Let ’s take your business to the next level Websites that Work Getting on the Digital Tools Introducing TradeAhead ™ Marketing Supporting business owners across the Trade and Construction industries here in Northland. to page 4 A s provincial New Zealand grows, Whangārei is at the forefront. The district has experienced a rapid rise in population over the past 10 years increasing by nearly 14,000 people between 2013-2018. Whangārei Mayor Sheryl Mai says the recent population surge is due to fewer people leaving New Zealand, larger numbers of returning New Zealanders and strong inter- regional migration, particularly from Auckland. People are being attracted by Whangārei’s strong economy, natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle. Mayor Mai says the upper North Island, in- cluding Auckland, is an economic powerhouse of New Zealand. Despite comprising only 20% of New Zealand’s land area, it contains more than half of New Zealand’s population and economic activity. “Whangārei’s importance is underpinned by the fact it’s a hub for Northland, is the only city north of Auckland, and is home to major retail, employment and service centres. Whangārei also offers key infrastructure such as Northport, Whangārei Airport and Whangārei Hospital. These aspects are key drivers for the growth of Whangārei, encour- aging inter-regional movement of people and goods.” Mayor Mai says that Whangārei’s economy is based on manufacturing, health care and social assistance, construction, agriculture, forestry and fishing. Opportunities exist particularly in primary sectors, which are expected to grow exponen- tially, she says. A number of key projects are also helping to stimulate the region’s econom- ic activity even further and positioning it well for growth. Investment in rail, road improvements, investigations into shifting Ports of Auckland to Northport and investment in hotels and tourist activities are all currently underway.