Auckland not keeping up internationally with land-use, housing and transport
Photo:
RNZ / Marika Khabazi
A report on Auckland's international competitiveness has found the super city risks falling behind if it cannot improve productivity.
The third annual
State of the City
benchmarking report has identified strengths in sustainability, resilience and culture but also highlights disadvantages in opportunity, experience and location.
The report was initiated by non-profit organisation Committee for Auckland in partnership with financial consultancy Deloitte and council-controlled cultural agency Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
"
Weak economic performance
, inadequate skills and innovation development, and disjointed and delayed planning are causing Auckland to lose ground, with the risk of falling further behind," Committee for Auckland director Mark Thomas said in a statement.
"We must fix the productivity problem, back high-growth industries and innovation, actually deliver better transport and housing, and rebuild Auckland's reputation."
He endorsed an "Auckland deal" under the government's
City and Regional Deals programme
.
Auckland's strengths were its quality of life and diversity, the report found, but these were not enough to keep the city competitive.
"This latest report shows Auckland isn't keeping up in key areas, but the green shoots of innovation and growth are a sign of what's possible if the city can drive higher productivity and create business conditions for sustained success," Deloitte chief executive Mike Horne said.
"Auckland's productivity
sets the pace for the rest of the country
, so it has an opportunity - and a responsibility - to be bolder in lifting it."
The report recommends the central and local governments address land use, housing, transport and regulatory settings which hindered productivity.
It also recommended the council strengthen Auckland's international brand, and "develop a compelling story about Auckland's past, present, and future that communicates its values, culture, and ambitions to the world".
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