City stakeholders discuss next steps for growth at Project Auckland luncheon

Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown is fronting the annual Project Auckland luncheon at the Northern Club today on how to turn the city’s recent momentum into meaningful growth.

Writing in the Herald this morning, Brown talked up the recently opened New Zealand International Convention Centre and the upcoming City Rail Link as examples of that momentum.

“In Auckland’s central city, the recovery is real. Foot traffic is rising, and the events calendar is growing. But the experience must be consistently safe, vibrant and welcoming,” he said.

“The State of the City report is clear on where more work is needed. While Auckland performs strongly on quality-of-life fundamentals, perceptions of nightlife, late dining, and the day-to-day city centre experience lag behind international peers, and concerns about safety persist.”

The minister’s address will be live on nzherald.co.nz from 12.30pm, followed by Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, who will outline how the council plans to find $106 million in savings – a $20m increase on last year’s goal.

Roger Gray and Carrie Hurihanganui, chief executives of Port of Auckland and Auckland International Airport respectively, will then take part in a panel discussion unpacking Brown’s comments and providing updates on their companies’ futures.

Project Auckland is a Herald Special Report, edited by Fran O’Sullivan. Click here for more Project Auckland stories.

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