By Rod Cheeseman
As the Mahurangi area is predicted to grow dramatically, new high-tech industries provide jobs for the future population. That’s the plan behind Massey University and Auckland Tourism and Economic Developments, Grow North initiative.
The concept aims to facilitate and encourage innovative business and tech start-ups outside Auckland’s central business district and in the Rodney area. The plan is still in the consultation phase but wants to provide the right facilities, communication, and expertise to encourage high-tech economic development throughout the area.
The think-tank behind the scheme believes that can be achieved through building technical hubs for office space, as well as online initiatives. Senior lecturer at Massey’s School of Management Dr Rebecca Gill says the initiative will expand northwards over the next ten years.
“It would be really exciting to have a creative Grow North hub in Orewa, and that will affect other areas north indirectly. I would like to see Grow North go farther even, Wellsford or all the way up into Northland, that’s a long term vision.”
Local businesses are already aware of the benefits of locating in the Mahurangi area. Paul Russell (pictured) is the chief executive of Matakana-based business, Global Design and Production. Paul’s business turns ideas into user-friendly products – he’s currently producing flat-packed, polystyrene-free, reusable, cool boxes for the food industry.
Mr Russell employs five staff members and believes the lifestyle of the region is attracting a highly skilled workforce, well suited to the tech industry.
“There are not many businesses like ours for people to work for up here,” Paul says.
“If I advertise for staff I get very high calibre applicants. They aren’t expecting Auckland pay rates because they want to have an awesome lifestyle instead of sitting in traffic, it’s a win-win.”
But, does he think Mahurangi has a future as a tech-hub?
“For new businesses it’s a great idea, when they are trying to get going and learn. We have found our own way of using technology to help our business. We’re planning on expanding with an office in Albany. We will set up one wall in each office as a screen and live stream to each other. Basically combining the offices in a virtual space despite the physical distance.”
The initiative believes that by encouraging business hubs throughout the region,Auckland’s commuter traffic will improve as people work closer to home. Others in the tech industry are less optimistic and believe infrastructure needs a serious revamp before Mahurangi can capitalise on becoming a hub for online business. Mike Hargreaves from Meshninety, a software solutions consultancy, is looking to move to the area to join his family.
He says he can’t base his business in Mahurangi because ultra fast broadband isn’t available.
“Ultimately fibre is essential,” says Mike. “You can operate on VDSL, but the fibre roll out won’t reach most of the area for years. Fibre solves the face-to-face problem through proper video conferencing solutions.”Despite the lack of fibre, the idea of a shared office is appealing to Mike who has been involved in three internet start-up companies.
“The tech-hub scenario would work in that you could cheaply hire office space and share modern office facilities.
Having access to a decent conference room, audio-visual equipment, and networking with others increases your productivity,” Mike says.
