The Manurewa area supports a range of established and new enterprises that provide well-paid employment opportunities for local people.
The Manurewa economy has grown consistently over the past 10 years, exceeding the Auckland region’s rate for the same period.
The district has 4000 local businesses employing around 20,000 people.
Wiri and the Town Centre are two major employment areas, providing work for just over 8500 people. The region’s key industries are manufacturing, heavy and civil engineering and road transport. Healthcare, Education and Retail are also industries that employ a large number of people.
New Companies
To continue to provide local opportunities for employment as the Manurewa population grows, it is important to attract new businesses and retain them.
Manurewa is ideally located with good transport links to local, national and international markets.
Over the next three years, the Manurewa Local Board will continue to work closely with business associations and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) to bring new businesses to Manurewa.
Education and Training
While the number of adults in Manurewa with a formal qualification rose from 66.1% in 2006 to 71.8% in 2013, the proportion of adults in employment declined (from 61% to 54.8%) and the median income is still relatively low.
Qualifications and well-developed skills relevant to business needs make people more employable and resilient to changes in the employment market.
To help local people into sustainable employment, the Board works with local employers, schools, training providers and education institutions to improve opportunities for people to gain qualifications and have their skills recognised.
Youth Employment
Many young people leave school without a basic level qualification (41% without NCEA Level 2 in 2012) and many struggle to find jobs.
The unemployment rate for young people in the 2013 census was 28.9%, higher than the regional average.
Residents told the Manurewa Local Board that it was important to help young people get jobs and to provide more hands-on training and trade apprenticeships.
Over the next three years, the Board will focus on improving outcomes for the young people without qualifications and not in employment, training or other positive activity.
“We plan to work with schools, employers, training and education providers and others to ensure all young people in our area have the opportunity to find meaningful pathways after leaving school. We will also continue to provide scholarships for young people with leadership potential,” the Manurewa Local Board said in its Development Plan.
Town Centre
The history of the Manurewa Town Centre can be traced to the start of the 20th century, when Manurewa’s first shop, a general store, opened in 1908 on Great South Road.
Today, there are more than 260 businesses in the Town Centre, which includes Southmall, one of New Zealand’s early shopping malls.
In recent years, the Town Centre has struggled to remain an attractive place to visit and shop, as exciting new centres have opened within easy reach.
Making the Town Centre the heart of the community once again is a major focus for the Local Board.
Based on public submissions, the Board will upgrade the Centre and make it safer.
Positive changes
The Manurewa Business Association and Town Centre Management are planning positive changes.
“We will continue to support that effort and lay the foundations for the prosperous future envisaged in the Auckland Plan,” the Board said.
In 2003, the former Manukau City Council developed a Concept Plan for Manurewa Town Centre to guide its growth and revitalisation for the next 30 to 40 years.
The Plan had substantial input from communities, businesses, residents and iwi.
It included key features such as a new rail station, parks and green space network, employment opportunities, community and youth facilities, housing choices, civic spaces and a mix of activity.
In 2012, the Auckland Plan identified Manurewa as an area with potential for significant population growth, with the Town Centre as a local hub for our communities.
It suggests a variety of housing options close to the centre, with a range of convenience and specialty shops, business services and community facilities.
Frequent public transport would connect the town centre to our outlying neighbourhoods and other areas.
“It is important that we manage the anticipated growth well and plan for the infrastructure needed to support it. To achieve this, we will draw the threads of these existing plans together and, working with our communities, local businesses and other organisations, create an updated Master Plan for the Town Centre. This plan will guide development and help the centre respond to population growth so it can once again become a great place to shop, work, live and play.
Transport network
The Board is planning to link more cycle ways into the Town Centre and improve footpaths to make them safe for everyone to use.
This year, a new train and bus timetable will link public transport services together better, enabling commuters to come into the Town Centre from Randwick Park or Weymouth and go beyond much more easily and conveniently.
People and community are the heartbeat of a successful town centre, which complements shopping with facilities and activities that encourage people to visit and linger.
The Manurewa Local Board is working with businesses and communities to develop ideas for facilities and activities that support and showcase the rich and diverse culture and talent in the area.
Article and Pictures Courtesy: Manurewa Local Board
