Auckland Council’s BID programme, Hōtaka ā-Rohe Whakapiki Pakihi

Auckland currently has 51 business improvement districts (BIDs), representing over 25,000 business and property owners with a combined capital value estimated at $72.7 billion. BIDs are formed and lead by local businesses and property owners who have agreed to work together, with support from Council, to improve their business environment, promote innovation, advocate on behalf of their business community, attract new businesses and customers. Auckland Council’s BID Policy, Kaupapa Here ā-Rohe Whakapiki Pakihi, sets the framework and requirements for the independent BID-operating business associations to receive the annual BID targeted rate funding.

The Council actively encourages local businesses to come together through a BID programme, to explore communities of common interest and opportunities for shared service efficiencies and economies of scale. Local Boards hold decision-making responsibilities for BID programmes in relation to setting BID targeted rates and hold the primary relationship for BID programmes in their area.

Initiatives and projects that the Auckland BIDs have undertaken include running area and sector-based marketing programmes, increased crime prevention measures through placemaking, CCTV cameras, designing and hosting events (for example, the ‘Heart of the City’ BID created Restaurant Month), advocacy and town centre revitalisation projects (Karangahape Road BID), solving local problems with local solutions (Manurewa BID Link Bus). The approach encourages local businesses to work collaboratively to respond to local business needs and opportunities, as well as maintaining a strong relationship with Auckland Council and Local Boards. BIDs across Tāmaki Makaurau also collaborate with each other in advocacy opportunities and for projects (for example, destination marketing initiatives). The BID whanau is a recognised stakeholder group for council plans and policies consultations.

Auckland Council BID staff have provided support and advice to a number of New Zealand and Australian local council’s including New Sydney Waterfront, Adelaide City, Transport New South Wales, Christchurch, Wellington, Tauranga, Invercargill, and Kāpiti Coast.