Invest Auckland - innovation and investment

Snapshot of Auckland city

Introduction

Auckland is uniquely placed to be the first city to see the start of every business day. Auckland is a modern, business friendly city, which complements Sydney and Melbourne but provides its own distinctive business and lifestyle opportunities.

The central business district is the commercial centre of New Zealand. Property, professional services, finance, insurance and education are the key industries supporting the rest of Auckland and New Zealand.

As stable and transparent English speaking western democracy, an open de-regulated market, a low compliance and tax burden, Auckland city is an ideal strategic regional base of an international business.

Innovation

New Zealand boasts a unique culture of entrepreneurialism and innovation. It is a country of pioneers in many fields. To mention a few:

Rutherford's scientific discoveries
business expertise of Edward Nathan, founder of Glaxo (of Glaxo-Smithkline)
mountaineering exploits of Hillary.

In the present day there are many pioneering companies developing leading edge technology in biotech, software, electronics, niche manufacturing, food and beverage, creative industries and professional business services.

Auckland city is the centre of all this activity.

Added value

In Auckland city you get modern infrastructure, a dynamic business environment, and an awesome lifestyle.

It is a powerhouse of the South Pacific for less than you would expect. Auckland city offers so much, and it is very cost competitive as a business location for the high skilled business environment.

Wages and salaries of skilled talent are typically 50 per cent less than in the USA and 20-30 per cent lower than in Australia. There is no payroll or capital gains tax. Office space rentals are amongst some of the lowest in the region.

Lifestyle

In Auckland you can make the most of life. You can stroll the deserted wild west coast beaches 20 minutes from the city. You can sail the islands of the Hauraki Gulf or lounge on the clean beaches of the eastern bays or mountain bike through the forests of the Waitakeres.

Auckland is internationally recognised as a world class city in respect to living standards with the annual William W. Mercer World-wide Quality of Life Survey.

Education

The New Zealand education system is by any measure world-class. This leads to a talent pool for business that is well educated, motivated, experienced, and committed to doing business.

Auckland city has become a regional centre for international education at both secondary and tertiary level, annually accommodating over 50,000 international students, many of whom retain business links to the city.

Infrastructure

Auckland is a thriving modern economy well served by the infrastructure for future business needs.

Utility services and telecommunications are of the highest standards and are cost competitive. Services are plentiful with open and growing competition ensuring there is little to hinder the development and growth of businesses.

Thriving business clusters

A focus on specialised industry sectors has enabled the Auckland economy to capture a leading position on the international ladder.

Specialised software technology in healthcare, payment solutions and display technology has leveraged the relatively low cost engineering talent coupled with the lifestyle environment.

The recreational marine industry offers the highest quality construction capability in the luxury and super yacht industry. The maritime history of the nation and the expertise in technology enabled New Zealand to compete in and host the America's Cup, against teams from other cities with much larger financial resources.

New Zealand's agricultural strength has spawned a vital biotechnology industry leveraging the world class scientific community matched with the clean green environment. Specialisation in the dairy industry has developed the world's ninth largest dairy company, Fonterra, with headquarters in Auckland.

Film and television production has discovered Auckland over the past few years. An ever growing list of international producers and directors are captivated by the scenic variety and the cost competitive facilities including some world leading animation and post production capability.

Updated September 2007