July 2021

There is generally a more positive outlook amongst businesses around our area as they move forward with their latest business models with more certainty and far less talk of pivoting and adapting. There have been some more positive signs regarding our economic recovery according to recently published information, with a greater than expected increase in the country’s GDP and consumer and business confidence both growing in Auckland, albeit slowly.

That said, there remain significant challenges for many businesses with a large number still enduring supply chain problems and many sectors highlighting the shortage of skilled labour as the main reason that their post-pandemic recovery is stalling. Indeed, the construction industry are citing both a shortage of materials and skilled labour!

Add to these issues the growing transport and congestion problems in our area which are costing business and residents alike time and money, then it is easy to see that, as a local community, we are not out of the woods yet.

The health and safety of all New Zealanders is of paramount importance and rightly so, but if we need skilled labour that isn’t available here and we need to get goods into the country more quickly to support our sustainable economic growth, what can be done to improve these situations? You will all have your own views, but I would question whether local and central government can do more to help businesses and skilled migrants overcome these challenges.

Finally, I would once again thank you for continuing to support your local businesses who appreciate your ongoing custom.

Kevin O’Leary
General Manager, Business North Harbour

SOURCE: Networker Magazine