Executive Director Report
Over the past month we have seen foreign investors blamed for Auckland's rising house prices and not just any foreign investors; more particularly Chinese investors. A recent example of this is the Labour party using leaked information from a real estate agency and spurious ‘research’ based on 'Chinese surnames' within sale and purchase data.
Playing the 'race' card within such an important and complex issue as housing availability and affordability is easy politics but it does not add value to solving the issues that our region faces as development struggles to keep pace with a burgeoning population. Committee member, KPMG delivered a reasoned right of reply to the rhetoric with the release of their second annual report on overseas investment in New Zealand yesterday. The report, Foreign Direct Investment in New Zealand: Trends and Insights is based on Overseas Investment Office (OIO) decisions over the last two years. Read the full report here.
The study found Canada accounted for 22 percent of overseas investment in 2013-2014 and the United States was the biggest buyer of land in that period. KPMG’s report looked at major transactions but did not include residential property. China - while the biggest foreign player in the dairy sector - was second on overall investment with 14 percent closely followed by the US on 13 percent. Whilst the study doesn't address housing specifically, it does address 'controversies' involving the acquisition of land.
As members know, the Committee is undertaking a study of Auckland's present and future affiliation with China in a bid to identify the opportunities that lie within that relationship. In doing so we also examine some of the current rhetoric that pervades our social discourse. Our aim is to identify and prioritise the overt - and not so obvious - opportunities for Auckland to benefit from our growing relationship with China.
As evidenced by the real estate debate, we have uncovered much rhetoric, and we will present an evidence-based perspective complementing our own findings with overseas examples, to identify the potential benefits to Auckland from a potential change of focus.
The study has looked at China through a number of lenses: Investment, Trade, Education, Tourism and Migration and is now nearly completed. We are looking forward to presenting our findings and recommendations in September.
The Committee for Auckland is in great heart with six new members joining our ranks within the first four months of the new financial year. We profile some of those new members in this newsletter.
Also on the horizon is the introduction of next year’s Future Auckland Leaders Programme which includes a new curriculum component focusing on resilience which will be led by AUT. Recruitment for the 2016/17 cohort is underway so please get in touch with Programme Leader, Timothy Giles if you would like to provide one of your employees with a competitive advantage in their leadership development.
Heather Shotter
Executive Director
Committee for Auckland
News in Brief
Maritime Auckland Update
After agreeing to undertake a study of long-term future port options, Auckland Council has commenced the process which includes a consultative stage that has resulted in the appointment of a Consensus Working Group. This group will determine the all-important terms of reference and appoint the organisation that will undertake the actual study. All of this taking some 22 weeks! At that stage the study will actually get underway for which Council have allowed only 20 weeks. Those who have commissioned studies before will know this is not a great deal of time especially if the study will be considering alternative locations. We are urging Council to not put expediency over process when it comes to the study itself. Allowing time to ensure a rigorous examination of all the options and recommendations, that have the potential to transform our region, would be the appropriate course of action.
We will keep Committee members up to date with this important process.
The Consensus Working Group is chaired by Dr Rick Boven and includes the following:
- Annabel Young, NZ Shipping Federation
- Alan McDonald, Employers and Manufacturers Association
- Greg McKeown, Urban Auckland
- Jenni Goulding, Parnell Community Committee
- Luke Christensen, Generation Zero
- Noel Coom, International Container Lines Committee
- Julie Stout, Urban Auckland
- Mana Whenua x 4 (TBC)
- Michael Barnett, Auckland Chamber of Commerce
- Rangimarie Hunia, Ngāti Whātua o Orakei Whai Rawa
- Richard Didsbury, Committee for Auckland
- Shane Vuletich, Society for the Protection of Auckland Harbours
- Tony Gibson, POAL
2014/15 Future Auckland Leaders Graduation
The Committee for Auckland invites you to attend the 2014/15 Future Auckland Leaders Graduation Dinner and Ceremony to be held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum on Tuesday, 17 November.
The Future Auckland Leaders Programme taps into the energy and insight of the city's emerging leaders, cultivating their passion for Auckland and channel it into city-enhancing projects.
Nominated by Committee for Auckland members from within their respective organisations, participants are individuals who possess strong leadership skills, as well as succession potential, and most importantly, a shared belief and commitment to enabling Auckland to become one of the world’s great cities to live and work.
This is your opportunity to witness the culmination of two years of solid work by these inspiring new leaders as they take their place in enabling the future growth and development of our city. Tickets are $200+GST and include a three course meal and matching wine.
For further information, and to RSVP, please contact Chyenne Carroll.
Future Auckland Leaders – Leadership Development through Civic Engagement
Nominations now open for 2016-17 Programme
Who in your team have you identified as an emerged leader with succession potential?
Future Auckland Leaders (FAL) delivers a unique mix of leadership curriculum, experiential learning and direct engagement with the people and issues of significance to Auckland.
Ideal candidates to gain the full benefit of FAL are outward focused with clear leadership potential and the personal drive to develop this.
The FAL programme has been enriched in a number of ways, including new elements and outcomes in partnership with the Wellbeing and Performance Research Group at AUT and the Millennium Institute for Human Potential, both thanks to continued sponsorship by AUT. The NZ Leadership Institute remains, as do our city-wide site host partners.
The content, network and focus on delivering active civic engagement makes FAL unique amongst leadership development programmes and CFA with the support of AUT are investing in FAL to deliver peerless value to our members and their nominees.
If you would like to know more about the programme, want a presentation to your team or nominees on what it takes to succeed in FAL, or you have a nominee in mind please contact our new Programme Manager Timothy Giles by email or phone 021 554 432.
Global Auckland
The Committee has welcomed ATEED’s ‘Global Auckland Project’ established to build a compelling identity for our city. Its stated purpose is to drive investment, attract high value, visitors, skilled migrants, and international students.
The Committee stated in its 2012 report ‘Fuelling our Economy” Auckland Workforce Skills from the Employers’ Perspective that Auckland needs to better define and communicate its brand as New Zealand’s global city’. In the report we contented that while New Zealand’s clean green reputation and image was valuable it was not a sufficient base for Auckland business success. We suggested that Auckland’s brand should encapsulate the aspirational elements of our region within the context of a rapidly growing, globally connected city.
The Committee has accepted a position on the project advisory group and we look forward to being an active participant in the process.
New Members
Committee for Auckland welcomes new members Ed. Collective, ICBC, New Zealand Government Auckland Policy Office and Sealink
Members financially underpin the Committee and our work programme and without their support we would not be able to undertake the work we do.
 Ed. Collective is a small not-for-profit organisation with huge ambitions when it comes to New Zealanders and education.
Ed. Collective’s purpose is to help create 21st Century New Zealanders for the world. We imagine a future in which learners are connected with each other and with their communities in ways that enrich and support their learning experience. We imagine a time when institutions will agree to work together in the interests of all learners. We do this through advocating for strategic conversations about the future of higher education in NZ, delivering innovative student-centred services and acting as an energising force for learner communities. We work to contribute to the sector, partner with institutions and support learners directly.
 Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), the world’s most profitable bank, has established a branch in Auckland and is ready to invest in the city’s large infrastructure projects.
ICBC created a subsidiary in New Zealand, obtained a full banking licence and opened its Auckland office and Queen St retail branch in February 2014. ICBC had completed a global network of banking operations in 40 countries since it listed on the Shanghai and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges in October 2006.
New Zealand Government Auckland Policy Office
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment coordinates the NZ Government Auckland Policy Office.
The purpose of the office is to:
- Provide an informed Auckland perspective on the development of central government policy.
- Identify and develop Auckland-specific policy initiatives that will make a significant impact on Auckland and national economic growth.
- Coordinate a collaborative approach for central government engagement in key regional development forums/projects.
- Offer a source of intelligence on Auckland – both issues and stakeholders.
 SeaLink is Auckland’s drive-on link to Waiheke and Great Barrier. With our comfortable ferries and the convenience of a drive-on, drive-off service, we’ll help you make the most of these two unique destinations.
We’ve been plying the waters of the Hauraki Gulf for many years now, so we know how to take care of holidaymakers. With fast, reliable services and a fantastic choice of accommodation on Waiheke Island, we go the extra mile to make sure you have a great time.
Exclusive UBER Promotion - Ride Free with UBER
 New Committee for Auckland member UBER is offering subscribers a free ride.
Download UBER and get your first ride FREE, up to $20, valid in NZ. UBER is a smartphone app that you can use to book private drivers to pick you up in minutes. UBER is in over 320 cities around the world, including New York, London, Paris, Sydney, Auckland and Wellington!
The process is simple:
- Download the UBER app on an iPhone, Android or Windows device, and create an account.
- Enter the promo code "CFA2015" when prompted (you can even do it right now and it's locked in).
- Check the ETA, 'REQUEST' when you need a car, and enjoy the ride!
Any questions, email the team at Uber, they're happy to help!
Upcoming Events
Date: Wednesday 30 September
Time: 12:15pm - 2pm
Venue: TBC
Date: Friday 20 November
Time: 12pm - 2pm
Venue: EY, 2 Takutai Square, Britomart, Auckland
Please contact Chyenne Carroll for further information about these events.
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