The newly constituted Auckland Council Business Advisory Panel will strive towards making the City a friendly destination for businesses, investors, employers and employees, according to one of its prominent members.
Radio Tarana Managing Director Robert Khan, the only person of Indian origin on the panel, said that vision was to make Auckland the best city in the world for the resident and business communities, investors and tourists.
“The Panel comprises top executives of the core sectors of the economy, people of proven talent, expertise and experience and those who are passionate about the City. We will work with the City Council, Mayor and others to put in place policies and programmes that are designed to foster economic development and be a bridge between the Local Government and businesses,” he said.
Announcing the names of the members of the Panel, Mayor Len Brown said a productive and high-value economy was an important factor in Auckland’s quest to become the world’s most liveable city.
“We must work alongside Auckland’s businesses to build the platform they need to deliver jobs, investment and development.
‘We must unleash Auckland’s economic potential. For New Zealand to thrive, Auckland needs to succeed,” he said.
Voice of Business
Councillor Cameron Brewer, who chairs the Panel, said he and his colleagues would be the ‘voice of the Auckland business community’ on council policies, plans, by-laws and strategies, particularly the economic development strategy.
“We have worked hard to select a range of people from across Auckland, across business sectors, from companies, organisations and industries of different scales, experiences and perspectives. This Panel is not about us telling business how to do things. This is about Auckland business having a regular opportunity to directly give the Council feedback and policy ideas. This initiative will ensure there is an ongoing full and frank dialogue between business and local government,” he said.
Mr Khan said the panel will advise the Mayor, councillors and Local Board members on the most effective means of engaging with the Auckland business community.
“It will also provide advice to Local Boards on business issues, and will alert the council to any matters it judges to be of particular concern or interest to the business community,” he said.
Mr Khan said Auckland had rich potential to become the world’s leading city, with higher standard of living and foster a good business environment.
“We need long and short-term strategies to promote innovative ideas to develop the economy, forge closer public-private partnerships and attract foreign investments and tourists. We must also develop a sound infrastructure that would cater to the growing needs of the City,” he said.
