Latest news with #MikeHorne
NZ Herald
14-07-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Auckland must boost transport, housing to stay competitive: Report
'We also are more car-dependent because we don't provide other transport options. So that's an example of one of the big consequences of our inability to solve this land-use planning challenge.' Thomas said the report mentioned that Brisbane had managed to snare hosting rights for the Olympic Games. Auckland's strengths are its quality of life and diversity, a new report has found, but these aren't enough to keep the city competitive. Photo / RNZ 'We won't have the Olympic Games in Auckland, but a Commonwealth Games, for example, is an example of a catalytic event that peer cities are doing and we can't even work out where to build a stadium.' Interest in hosting the 2034 Commonwealth Games was first floated by the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) in April 2023. The NZOC says its expression of interest still stands and work around a potential bid is ongoing. At the time, the Government said if a bid was to go ahead, the event would be nationwide – not confined to one city. Auckland risks 'falling further behind' The third annual State of the City benchmarking report identified strengths in sustainability, resilience and culture but also highlighted disadvantages in opportunity, experience and location. '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's 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 that the Government and local councils address land-use, housing, transport and regulatory settings which hinder 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'. Eden Park must be competitive with Australian cities, CEO says Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner said Auckland was a great city but there was a need to align and prioritise. There was also a need to adapt and reuse existing infrastructure, such as converting offices into apartment buildings, while for the Eden Park 2.1 stadium upgrade, his organisation was looking to reuse the north stand, Sautner said. 'The CRL [City Rail Link] project is a $6 billion project, we need to intensify housing around [that] but also infrastructure in that area. 'Eden Park's going to be seven minutes from the CBD, there's no point in having a connection to the CBD if we don't have events, and we're advocating to ensure that we have event levies to ensure that we can compete with other cities like Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney for major content.' New Zealand's size meant there was only one option for a national stadium, Sautner said. 'We want to see that work and that investment done, that creates jobs but it also makes us competitive with cities like Brisbane who are spending $6.5 billion on their stadium infrastructure.' There were a number of reasons why big acts such as AC/DC, Oasis and Lady Gaga failed to come to New Zealand, Sautner said. 'The exchange rate, the freight costs but then also seed funding, at the moment there's no seed funding available, whether it be through MBIE [the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment] or local council.' The introduction of a bed-night visitor levy on short-term accommodation would enable a fund to attract major events, but without that, New Zealand would not get major concerts or sporting events, Sautner said. – RNZ
Techday NZ
01-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Deloitte promotes 32 new leaders across New Zealand divisions
Deloitte has announced the promotion of 32 new leaders within its New Zealand firm, consisting of 13 new partners and 19 new directors spread across the organisation's various divisions. The appointments, made between December and June, are described by Deloitte New Zealand Chief Executive Mike Horne as reflective of the firm's ongoing growth and investment in specialist expertise. Horne commented: "Our new partners each bring a fresh perspective and set of experiences that strengthen our ability to solve our clients' increasingly complex challenges. As organisations face growing pressure to adapt and innovate, having the right people in trusted advisory roles is more important than ever. Deloitte's new partners enhance the depth and breadth of our capabilities across the firm, reinforcing our commitment to helping clients navigate uncertainty and plan for long-term success." The new partners take up posts across the firm's primary business groups, comprising audit, assurance and reporting advisory; tax and business advisory; technology and transformation; and strategy, risk and transactions. Audit and assurance In the audit, assurance and reporting advisory division, Ben Wood, Suné Strydom and Craig Robertson have been promoted to partner. Strydom, based in Auckland, is noted for her technical assurance expertise and work supporting teams through the evolving ESG assurance landscape. Wood, also in Auckland, has managed complex audits and has been a strong proponent of audit quality and innovation since relocating from London in 2018. Robertson began with Deloitte as a graduate in Dunedin and now specialises in financial reporting and complex accounting advisory for a range of clients. Tax and business advisory Five individuals have become partners within Deloitte's tax and business advisory group. Stefan Davies in Hamilton brings substantial experience in virtual CFO and advisory services, focusing on property, construction, and investment sectors. Auckland-based Jamie Dawson is a transaction specialist who supports clients through sale processes, acquisitions, and complex tax matters. Alex Kingston, also in Auckland, is recognised for his work with clients in the financial services, technology, and healthcare sectors. Dunedin's Luke Murdoch has a background in business advisory and tax, supporting large and growing firms through complex regulatory issues. Stephen Walker, who joined Deloitte in the UK and moved to New Zealand in 2013, currently advises on employment tax and inbound high net worth migrant matters from Auckland. Technology and transformation The technology and transformation stream sees Oisin Collins and Bryan Daly join the partner ranks. Collins started his Deloitte career in Dublin and has been based in Auckland since 2021, delivering advisory and major ERP transformation projects. Daly, also in Auckland, has expertise in strategic programme delivery, technology change, and the design of delivery operating models for various organisations. Strategy, risk and transactions Within strategy, risk and transactions, Mary Kilkelly (Wellington), Rod Harris (Auckland), and Thomas Watson (Auckland) have all been appointed partners. Kilkelly brings close to two decades of infrastructure experience across sectors in New Zealand and overseas, focusing on transport and water infrastructure advisory. Harris joined the firm with over 20 years' experience in professional and services industries, concentrating on M&A advisory and corporate finance. Watson works with corporate and private businesses on transaction readiness, deal strategy, and execution as part of Deloitte's M&A advisory team. In addition to the partner appointments, the firm also promoted 19 new directors across its New Zealand operations over the past year.
RNZ News
06-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Auckland supercity 15 years on: success or failure?
politics Auckland 44 minutes ago Many Aucklanders say the supercity model has failed, with progress on delivering transport and infrastructure and solutions a particular sticking point for residents according to new research from Auckland University. The findings come as Auckland leaders gather to examine the region's progress since the creation of the supercity 15 years ago. The survey shows Aucklanders overwhelmingly support a long-term infrastructure plan, and there is near-universal agreement on protecting the natural environment. However only half of those surveyed said the amalgamation had succeeded in unifying Auckland's voice, and just 18 percent feel they have influence over Auckland Council decisions. The consulting firm Deloitte has produced two of three annual State of the City reports which benchmark Auckland against similar cities globally. Deloitte NZ Chief Executive Mike Horne says it's clear the city is falling behind.
NZ Herald
06-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Sir John Key, Helen Clark, Wayne Brown and Simeon Brown to debate the future of Auckland
Deloitte NZ's chief executive Mike Horne has warned that the city will have to change if it is to make more meaningful progress. 'Auckland has been incremental in what it has achieved since becoming a Super City 15 years ago,' he said. 'Being incremental isn't going to achieve what the city needs.' Only half of us think becoming a Super City in 2010 has helped the city advance its case to central Government, only a third of us think Auckland Council is 'providing more strategic and region-wide responses to problems', and one in five believe being a Super City has improved public engagement with decision-making. Cultural identity 'remains a sharp point of division', says the report. While 70% of us 'strongly support celebrating Auckland's Māori and Pacific heritage and investing in cultural diversity and the arts', another 30% 'expressed caution or scepticism about prioritising further cultural investment'. The report comes 15 years after eight 'legacy' councils in the Auckland region were combined into one Auckland Council, and the Super City was born. It was commissioned by the Committee for Auckland, a research and advocacy group with members in the public and private sectors. The work was carried out by the University of Auckland 's Complex Conversations Lab, using an opt-in online survey platform that allows participants to talk to each other in order to create an in-depth analysis of views. 'Auckland@15: Shaping the next fifteen years' was due to be launched at a breakfast event this morning. The feature of the event will be a panel discussion involving four prominent Aucklanders: former Prime Ministers Sir John Key and Helen Clark, Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown. They will be asked to assess the 'tangible progress' made by the Super City since 2010 and provide political, historical and strategic insights from their own experience. Other panels will involve Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei 's Ngarimu Blair, the Auckland Business Chamber's Simon Bridges, environmental entrepreneur Izzy Fenwick, AUT vice-chancellor Damon Salesa and Lisa Hind from property developer Precinct, among others. Committee for Auckland director Mark Thomas said it's time for a reset. 'We must learn more effectively from the best globally and have the courage to back bold, transformative ideas locally or risk continuing to lose the economic opportunity, talent, and quality of life we need to thrive.' Thomas said Auckland is being overtaken by faster-moving global competitor cities. 'Without much clearer commitment from central and local government and their partners, Auckland's standard of living and growth prospects will continue to suffer,' he said. Horne said: 'If Auckland isn't competing globally, New Zealand will suffer. Now is the time for the city to look outward, focusing on connections and innovation, instead of looking in the mirror and rehashing its challenges.' AUT's Salesa said that over the next 15 years, 'our city will be home to the greatest number of international students, Māori and Pacific young people and indeed of all youth. They have enormous potential and deserve a city that provides education, infrastructure, and employment opportunities.' On the environment, 'up to 95%' of those surveyed want stronger protections such as improved water quality and more street trees. Support for housing intensification was tempered: it had to come with more green spaces and better public transport. As for transport, 61% of survey respondents said reducing congestion should be Auckland's top transport priority, 'even if it means introducing charges on some roads at times when they are most congested'. This is known as 'time of use' or congestion charging. But while 56% thought more should be spent on cycleways and walkways, the survey results released to date do not reveal what respondents thought about other options for relieving congestion. And in news that will cheer Auckland Transport, 60% said it is 'easier to get around Auckland on public transport than it used to be'. Simon Wilson is a senior writer covering politics, the climate crisis, transport, housing, urban design and social issues, with a focus on Auckland. He joined the Herald in 2018.
