Business North Harbour Together. Stronger.

Together. Stronger.

What we do for local business.

One Voice – Together. Stronger.

Through our advocacy, formal submissions and public meetings we make sure that the needs of North Harbour are heard and understood in local and central government, particularly when decisions are made regarding local investment.

Grow and strengthen your business

Keep your property and business safe

Business capability programmes – leverage technology – special

Protect your property and business – value your staff – enhance community safety

interest groups – economic development – social responsibility

We know that to grow your business, you need access to the right skills, networks and expert support. We enable collaboration and cooperation between our commercial property and business owners, industry experts, stakeholders, educators and economic agencies through our breakfast and luncheon events, plus our dedicated training programmes. Business North Harbour’s training and education programmes are tailored to the areas in which our members tell us they need the most support.

We make sure our programmes reflect national and regional economic strategic plans to maximise the potential for local, national and international growth across our member businesses.

Build local connections Networking events – media – membership

Our media platforms exist to connect business and investment, and to encourage local economic development. We do this by making people aware of the depth and breadth of businesses and services available within close proximity and providing a wide range of networking opportunities at which business owners and employees can meet.

We keep members informed of issues and opportunities that exist within the Business Improvement District.

Business North Harbour members enjoy access to business and industry leaders, and best practice advocates. Our professional development programmes give access to best business practice information.

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As well as providing nightly security patrols, we offer practical crime prevention training and resources, ensuring all our members, and their staff, feel safe within the Business Improvement District. Everyone benefits from increased safety and reduced crime.

Keep your business moving Reduce congestion – improve safety and access – commuter education – representation

Managing the growth of our area is critical if we are to avoid gridlock. We work with Auckland Transport, NZTA and contractors to protect the interests of our business district, and to ensure we receive our share of regional short- to long-term investment.

Major infrastructure projects can impact on business efficiency and functionality, so we work closely with the project management teams, to minimise business disruption and risk during these projects.

Commuter education is important. We work one on one with employers and employees to find solutions for their daily commute. Our work has contributed to reduced congestion and improved access across the business district.

Let us work for you – we can help.

The voice of local business must be heard if Auckland, and New Zealand, is to succeed.

Since 2008, Business North Harbour (previously known as North Harbour Business Association) has ensured that our 4,000+ membership group of commercial property owners, businesses and their employees have benefited from the initiatives we have developed on their behalf.

These have included: • • • • • • • • • • •

transport management and crime prevention programmes a 365-day dedicated security patrol a network of cameras across the area advocacy with central and local government and their agencies world-class speakers from government and business an annual business expo our One-Day Sale retail initiative networking opportunities, including our popular Women in Business programme training and education syllabuses translated resources for our increasingly diverse membership our C3 internship programme

Doing so will give you access to all our services and programmes.

It will give you a voice in discussions with the people setting the agenda for our region. It will mean you have a team working on your behalf to cut through the bureaucratic jargon. A team that will give you intelligible, common sense answers to the questions that matter – be it on the Unitary Plan and its effects on your business, the infrastructure developments that affect us all, or the impact of government spending in our area.

Together we are stronger. Together we can make a difference.

Please have your say in the North Harbour Business Improvement District expansion poll.

start working for you.

so that we can

Originally encompassing the business district west of the motorway, in 2013 we invited businesses and property owners in the commercial area around Constellation/Apollo to join our programmes. The result was an overwhelming endorsement of the work that we undertake to ensure our area is the premium business district in greater Auckland.

Since then, increasing numbers of businesses on our northern border have asked if they too can enjoy the benefits of membership. In response to this, and in recognition that there is a real commonality of interests between the businesses on either side of the Albany Expressway, you too now have the opportunity to join Business North Harbour.

Kevin Moore Chairman

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Come inside the boundary.

At the moment, Business North Harbour programmes are only available to those businesses and commercial property owners located within the red shaded area.

We think this simply doesn’t make sense.

Requirements for business are the same on both sides of the Albany Expressway. Both areas want similar things.

If your business or property is within the green shaded area, now is your chance to gain all the benefits of your location. Enjoy the advantages your neighbours have had since 2008.

To be included in the North Harbour Business Improvement District.

Together. Stronger.

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Current North Harbour Business Improvement District Proposed Expansion Area

One voice for local business.

Why you need a voice.

Auckland Council was formed in 2010 to deliver a cohesive and consistent regional government environment. Strong local advocacy and representation stops local issues being overlooked due to the greater demand on the city’s financial resources and increased Auckland-wide focus.

Business North Harbour can be your voice.

We have established strong relationships within the local and regional council. We present formal submissions covering members’ views on issues that impact both positively and negatively on the current Business Improvement District. Our submissions range from regional plans such as the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan, which will affect what commercial and industrial activities can occur within physical locations, to simple signage by-laws that impact on your ability to promote and market your business. Our advocacy will help attract and retain tenants and promote business viability.

Have your say in how the strategic plans for Auckland affect your business.

Join forces with other local business and commercial property owners. Make your views heard. Business North Harbour will exert even more influence through one greater voice for the local business area.

What do you stand to gain from voting yes?

Below are just some of the programmes and benefits enjoyed by your neighbours during the past 12 months. Don’t miss out on your chance to gain access to the same support for your business. before 20 April 2016.

$77,000

additional grant funding committed from UHLB and Auckland Transport to deliver additional transport services in North Harbour.

144 businesses benefited from our specific crime

15,000

One Day Sale Shoppers guides were distributed, promoting local retailers. Retailers all reported increased sales, some as high as 45%.

FYI magazine was read on 75,000 occasions over the past 12 months, creating a powerful tool for local business development and education.

Over 2300 security breaches were identified by

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our nightly security patrol, with follow up provided through our crime prevention specialist.

prevention training, covering issues such as credit card fraud, cyber security and shop lifting.

business people were hosted for breakfast, lunch or After 5s – providing access to world-class speakers who shared their experience and expertise.

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Budget summary.

As a not-for-profit membership organisation, fiscal responsibility and transparency is an imperative.

Projected Income 2016

Business North Harbour has consistently delivered to budget, year after year, since becoming a Business Improvement District in 2008.

The current targeted rate revenue of $523,000 per annum is generated from commercially rated properties within the red shaded area (see map page 4).

Through additional grant funding and sponsorship, Business North Harbour has delivered an increasing range of programmes, support and connectivity for our members, delivering real value through scale to individual members.

Please refer to www.businessnh.org.nz/AGM2015 for a copy of the full audited financial accounts and three-year business plan.

The projected budgets for the year ending 30 June 2017 include $61,573 (exclusive of GST) from those commercial properties within the green shaded area (see map page 4), following a successful North Harbour Business Improvement District Expansion Ballot.

The combined targeted rate income of $626,413 would ensure the continuation of the current level of member services and benefits. This would also allow, through even greater economies of scale, the creation and development of additional depth throughout these programmes.

The combined revenue, as shown at right, is committed to be spent within North Harbour for the betterment of local economic activity and growth. This is Business North Harbour’s commitment to you.

One Voice – Together. Stronger.

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Member Targeted Rate External Programme Grants Events – including Expo Gold Sponsorship Associate Member Subscriptions Advertising and Promotion Interest

Projected Expenditure 2016

Draft 2017 Expanded NHBID Key Revenue Streams Member Targeted Rate External Programme Grants Events – including Expo

($) 626,413 50,000 120,000

Gold Sponsorship

65,000

Associate Member Subscriptions

22,000

Advertising and Promotion

45,000

Interest

2,800 Total Estimated Income

931,213

Expenditure Crime Prevention Programme

118,000

Transport Programme

102,000

Events – including Expo

148,000

Member Communications

135,000

Business Training and Development Total Programme Costs

65,000 568,000

Operating Expenditure Crime Prevention Programme Transport Programme Events – including Expo Member Communications Business Training and Development Personnel Admin Premises IT/Computer Depreciation Executive Committee Honorariums BID Programme Development

Personnel

190,000

Admin

60,000

Premises

46,000

IT/Computer

11,000

Depreciation

25,000

BID Programme Development

15,000

BID Expansion Ballot

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Executive Committee Honorariums Total Operating Costs

Total Estimated Expenditure Estimated Surplus/Deficit

7,500 354,500 922,500 8,713

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What others are saying.

“Business North Harbour’s many initiatives are of tremendous value to our business. The Business Breakfasts, After 5 functions and the Business Expo afford us wonderful networking and business-building benefits, while the Crime Prevention Initiative is of huge value in ensuring our security. We are proud to be a Gold Sponsor of this excellent organisation and encourage all businesses to be active participants in their events.”

Chris Cooke Speedy Signs Albany

“The continued hard work and promotion of Business North Harbour to find transport solutions for their members demonstrates their action-focused approach and strong connection to businesses. Working in partnership with Auckland Transport has improved transport options for businesses and commuters in North Harbour. With many transport changes happening in the next few years, Business North Harbour are making a difference to the accessibility of their area – helping business work smarter.”

Melanie Alexander Travel Demand Manager, Auckland Transport

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“The service from Business North Harbour has been outstanding. Business North Harbour are doing a great job in trying to clean up the Albany area of pallets being dumped on the side of the road. Thanks for the great service and I look forward to working with Business North Harbour long term.”

Douglas Rawlinson Harvey Wholesale NZ Ltd

“Our Business North Harbour partnership, both as an Associate Member and Strategic Partner, has proven of great benefit not only in facilitating local business’s access to Massey University’s innovation Albany campus but also serves to enhance a better understanding of “real world” problems in educating students and directing relevant research. Partnering of local businesses, through Business North Harbour, with Massey University serves as a catalyst for the common goal of growing North Harbour’s economic development. The expansion of Business North Harbour’s business district will only further serve to increase the collective benefit to all Business North Harbour members and the local community, which is wholeheartedly endorsed.”

Dr Jeffrey Stangl Director Engagement & Enterprise, Massey University

88% of members’ priority is for continued advocacy by Business North Harbour for local and central government investment in North Harbour.

31% of members want to improve business productivity through Business North Harbour hosted seminars and workshops.

92% of members want us to continue advocating for improved parking and safety, and reduce congestion.

76% of members want Business North Harbour to host public meetings with transport agencies.

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Your key questions answered.

A Business Improvement District (BID) is an opportunity for North Harbour businesses and owners of commercial property to pool their resources and agree on activities which will benefit them directly – and have control over making it happen.

What is a Business Improvement District?

The Business Improvement District Partnership programme is a public-private partnership between Auckland Council and business associations that have committed to develop a local business environment. Currently there are 49 Business Improvement Districts in Auckland, one of which is North Harbour, in the neighbouring commercial estate.

Targeted rate The Business Improvement District Partnership programme allows Auckland Council, under the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002, to collect a targeted rate to fund the BID Partnership Programme.

The funds collected by Auckland Council from the North Harbour Business Improvement District are paid to Business North Harbour to manage on behalf of our members. (Ref: 2011 Auckland Region Business Improvement District Policy) Business North Harbour is committed to ensuring the Business Improvement District has the right support, infrastructure and opportunities to deliver value to its property owners and business tenants. We recognise that a collaborative approach is necessary to achieve these goals.

Businesses already pay rates.

Why should we pay again?

Business rates are a regional tax collected by council and then redistributed across greater Auckland.

The Business Improvement District Targeted Rate is a specific levy for additional local projects that enhance the local business area and support local business activity. These projects are delivered and managed on behalf of our members by Business North Harbour.

How much will we pay?

The North Harbour Business Improvement District’s targeted rate is calculated using a hybrid method – a base of $150 per annum, plus a percentage of your commercial property value.

What is the value to your business?

Free Business Breakfasts, help with transport and freight issues, business and crime prevention training sessions, free transport and crime prevention resources, access to new customers, improved infrastructure and support. You decide the value to you.

Together. Stronger. will deliver increased economies of scale for Business North Harbour, with increased investment in a wider range of member programmes and services.

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Connecting local business through Business North Harbour breakfasts and events.

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Have your say – your vote counts.

What are you voting for?

As your commercial property or business is located within the green shaded area of the map on page 4, we are seeking your support for your interests to be represented within the expanded North Harbour Business Improvement District (BID) programme.

This programme is delivered by Business North Harbour Inc., and funded through a targeted rate levied on all commercial zoned properties within the expanded Business Improvement District.

Who can vote?

The Eligible Voters List is a combination of commercial property owners and commercial tenants in the proposed expansion area.

The Eligible Voters List is based on the principle of one business entity – one vote, or one person – one vote.

This means that all parties who will benefit from the Business Improvement District programmes will have the chance to vote YES on its formation.

How do I

, and when?

All eligible voters will receive, by post, a postal ballot voting form.

The ballot voting period commences 31 March 2016 and closes midday 20 April 2016.

This ballot is conducted by Independent Election Services Ltd on behalf of the North Harbour Business Improvement District.

Business North Harbour will announce the ballot results in June 2016. A full ballot report will be submitted by Business North Harbour to the Upper Harbour Local Board for their approval, and Upper Harbour Local Board will submit to Auckland Council. If ratified, the collection of the targeted rate will commence 1 July 2016.

If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact: Janine Brinsdon or Kevin Moore General Business North Harbour matters 09 968 2222 or 021 212 4942 gm@businessnh.org.nz Claire Siddens Auckland Council BID Policy and Partnership matters 09 890 8380 claire.siddens@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz The Electoral Office Official ballot process matters 09 973 5212 info@electionservices.org.nz

For the Business Improvement District Expansion Ballot to go ahead, two conditions must be met:

1

Must achieve a minimum of 25% return of voting forms.

2

A minimum of 51% of those votes must be in favour of the proposition raised on the ballot voting form, to achieve a mandate.

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“In April 2013 I was opposed to joining Business North Harbour for a number of reasons. There was nothing in their proposal that stood out as being of financial benefit to my business. Why part with more cash when cash was tough to come by?

In the end a majority vote in favour of joining meant that I had no choice but to stump up with the targeted rate and become a reluctant member.

Late 2013 I was converted to a happy member when the association canvased a number of businesses in the area looking for additional ways to assist us in making our businesses more profitable.

They listened to our views and ideas and the annual wholesaler/clearance sale that they organise has helped me clear significant excess stock. It’s just one activity or idea, but this has made my membership much more valuable.”

“We receive many benefits as an Associate member of Business North Harbour. The numerous events provided

by Business North Harbour are well run, with good quality speakers and relevant topics. These events, together with the annual Business Expo, provide us with valuable networking and growth opportunities. We also enjoy the regular updates and communication from the various Business North Harbour publications. We support the proposed BID expansion and see this initiative as a move toward strengthening the current Business North Harbour network.”

Brendon Cutler – Hayes Knight Business Advisory Director

Andy McMeeking – Tiffanies Treasures

“Business North Harbour is a strategic partner of the Upper Harbour Local Board, delivering on our aspirations of local economic development, providing a vital opportunity for local employment for our residents of all ages and career stages. We value our relationship with the association and the advocacy role they take in a local, Auckland-wide and national context.”

“Although the police are not permitted to provide references, this statement serves only to inform you that for several years now, the North Shore police have worked in partnership with Business North Harbour.

This relationship has been crucial in ensuring the local business community and their clients feel safe and are safe when visiting the North Harbour business area.”

Inspector Sunny Patel – Area Prevention Manager, North Shore Police

Lisa Whyte – Upper Harbour Local Board Economic Development Portfolio Holder and Deputy Chair

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