Wellington City Council has appointed three business advisory groups comprising senior industry leaders to help shape the city’s economic growth strategy.
The voluntary advisory groups will focus on three sectors: Property, infrastructure and housing; technology, science, education and innovation; and arts, creative, hospitality and – importantly for retailers – inner-city revitalisation.
The groups will provide strategic advice to support the council’s economic action plan, identify barriers to growth and recommend initiatives to improve Wellington’s business environment.
The appointments deliver on Mayor Andrew Little’s pledge to establish formal business advisory groups that give industry leaders a greater role in shaping the capital’s economic priorities.
“Wellington is so much more than a government town. We’re the coolest little capital in the world, and have world-class capabilities in tech, creativity, and amazing hospitality,” Little said.
“The challenge is to unlock our potential, to generate economic and population growth, and good jobs. It’s a challenge the city is up for, and the expert business advisory groups have a crucial role to play. They have been selected for their skills and experience, but also for their commitment to unlocking the Capital’s economic potential and restoring Wellington as the place to grow global businesses, attract amazing talent, and thrive.”
According to the council, the groups bring together expertise from across key sectors of the local economy and are expected to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors while helping attract investment and support long-term economic development.
The appointments follow the council’s call for expressions of interest earlier in May and form part of its broader efforts to strengthen collaboration with businesses to support economic growth and revitalise Wellington.
