Change in Investor Immigrant Rules to Target Start Ups

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Mayor endorses Government review

From the Office of the Mayor Len Brown:

Auckland Mayor supports changes to investor migrant rules

Auckland Mayor Len Brown has endorsed the government’s review of investor migrant rules and hopes it will see more funds directed into startups and growth companies.

The Mayor’s comments follow the release of a paper from Auckland business incubator Icehouse which proposes changing New Zealand’s Investor Migrant Policy to channel a portion of wealthy migrant investment into New Zealand’s strategic capital needs which include providing capital for emerging growth companies.

“Auckland is creating an innovation city,” says Len Brown.

“We have seen the emergence of companies like Orion Health, PowerbyProxi, Adherium and Wherescape. We are also the location for a number of venture capital and private equity funds, and some of New Zealand’s most active angel investors.  About half of all angel investment in New Zealand goes into Auckland-based startups.

“The key constraint for many technology companies, however, remains investment capital.

“An initiative which deepens the pool of capital available to be invested into growth companies will help shift our economy to one based on technology and innovation. And if that means these companies can grow while maintaining their New Zealand base that will be positive for the economy.

“The Icehouse idea has merit.  If we can attract migrants who want to invest into growth companies and opportunities in Auckland and New Zealand, it can only be good.

“I hope the government gives it careful thought as it undertakes the review.”

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Sounds good although I hope the idea is not going to be Government handled thus picking winners like Minister Steven Joyce likes to do (and fails).

The idea would benefit Auckland especially as like-type business and industries clump together naturally (rather than having a public authority do it via innovation hubs) for agglomeration bonus effects that start kicking in.

In Southern Auckland’s case that would be:

  1. Education
  2. Food and Beverage
  3. Health/Population/Social
  4. Technology

Busways and why Whangaparaoa could use one.

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Whangaparaoa, Howick, Pakuranga, Botany-Manukau, North Western Motorway; all prime candidates for good quality dedicated bus ways to get the people moving (both by bus and car) where Heavy Rail is not available and light rail is either a long way off or non viable.

Potential exists for Whangaparaoa being close to Silverdale and the Albany (Super) Metropolitan Centre. Will our leaders realise this?

(Answer is No)

Bryce P's avatarPearcy's Place

Pic courtesy of https://dgunderblog.wordpress.com/ Pic courtesy of https://dgunderblog.wordpress.com/

We know that the old suburbs in central Auckland were developed around the tram network. Indeed the tram network was the creator of the corridors we now know as Dominion Road, Mt Eden Road and Sandringham Road (and many others).

But, how do we emulate the kind of dense development the tram network created but without adding huge costs? Buses. Yes, dedicated busways added into existing transport corridors. Would it work? Well, in places globally that have introduced right of way bus lines, they work very well. Some were even built as a part of the development. They serve local areas and connect to Rapid Transit for longer journeys. Here is a couple of great blog posts about such a place. The subject is Almere in the Netherlands.

http://www.humantransit.org/2010/10/guest-post-richard-lenthall-on-the-busways-of-aimere-netherlands.html

http://www.humantransit.org/2010/10/aimere-netherlands-as-bus-oriented-development.html

How does this relate locally? Imagine if you will, a reinvigorated Whangaparaoa Road with pockets of…

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Ideas Wanted for Aotea Quarter

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What do you think the centre of the City Centre should have

From Auckland Council:

Share ideas to make Aotea Quarter a hub for all Auckland

All Aucklanders are invited to share their ideas for re-shaping the Aotea Quarter into the city’s arts, culture, and entertainment hub.

Public consultation on the Aotea Quarter Framework opens 9 September (today) and runs until 22 October.

The consultation will feature an information desk in the Aotea Centre, focus groups and public walking tours guided by planning experts explaining potential major improvements for the area around Aotea Square.

The vision is to use under-developed council sites to add to other recent upgrades in the area including the Aotea Square, Q Theatre, Lorne Street, Bledisloe Lane, Khartoum Place and the Auckland Art Gallery.

Potential sites include the Civic Administration Building, Town Hall south car park and Aotea Centre surrounds.

Eventually, the Aotea Station, as part of the City Rail Link, will deliver people to the quarter’s door step, transforming travel links to the city centre.

“There are huge opportunities for the area to really lift its game and become the cultural and entertainment hub for all Auckland,” says Councillor Chris Darby, council’s political urban design champion.

For more information and to give feedback, go to shapeauckland.co.nz.

Public ideas will help inform the future direction of the quarter and the council’s decision-making.

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You have until 22 October to give feedback. Also remember that Aotea Quarter will house the nearby Aotea City Rail Link station which will be the number one station on the rail network in terms of patronage.