Growing local businesses and our economy

From City Scene, published on 4 November, 2007

Right recipe - City Cake Company owner Maureen Keene has been running businesses in Mt Eden village for the past 20 years and has been a member of the Mt Eden Village Business Association since it was established in 1996.

Mainstreet programmes build on the distinctive character of Auckland's town centres and business areas, and the energy and skills of people who have businesses there. Auckland City Council works with local businesses and the community to develop economic growth in 17 town centres across our city. Each Mainstreet programme is funded by a special rate paid by local businesses. "Mainstreet programmes make a tangible contribution to the city's economy - delivering on-the-ground economic development initiatives," says the council's group manager economic development, Karen Lyons.

Mainstreet activities are based on:

organisation - getting businesses and community representatives working together for the town centre's benefit
promotion - marketing the business centre's features through special events and retail promotions
•business development - strengthening the area's existing economic base and exploring new business opportunities
design - coordinating physical improvements to enhance the image of the town centre
heritage conservation - capitalising on the heritage significance and assets of the town centre.

Mainstreet programmes have been implemented in Avondale, Blockhouse Bay, Eden Valley, Ellerslie, Glen Innes, the central city, Karangahape Road, Mt Eden, Newmarket, Onehunga, Otahuhu, Panmure, Parnell, Ponsonby, Remuera, St Heliers Bay and the Rosebank business development community.

Right recipe

City Cake Company owner Maureen Keene has been running businesses in Mt Eden village for the past 20 years and has been a member of the Mt Eden Village Business Association since it was established in 1996. Ms Keene says she got involved in the association to give back to the community. "The Mt Eden Village Business Association is strongly supported by its members and is visibly community based," she says. "Over the years, the association has held events such as Easter egg hunts and Christmas tree decorating. It is the perfect mix of community and business," she says, "and the goodwill flows both ways."