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24 July 2024

‍New Report Shows Region’s Potential to Drive Auckland’s Growth and National Prosperity

The Northland Corporate Group (NCG) has announced a bold plan to grow the region’s economy six-fold to $60 billion by 2050 – positioning Te Tai Tokerau as a national powerhouse for prosperity.

New economic analysis from the New Zealand Institute of Economics (NZIER), Ka Tutuki i a Te Tai Tokerau: He Mana Whakahī ā-Rohe mō te Oranga Rawa ā-Motu / Te Tai Tokerau Northland Delivers: A Regional Powerhouse for National Prosperity, highlights the opportunities ahead, particularly in key sectors including energy, agriculture, construction and manufacturing.

Rosie Mercer, co-chair of Northland Corporate Group, says Northland’s GDP per capita is currently 30% below the national average, even though the region holds natural resource and geographical advantages.

“This suggests its long-term contribution can and should lift over time too. If we reached parity today, our economy would be worth $16.0 billion. But we’re aiming higher,” says Mercer.

In 2024, TeTai Tokerau Northland contributed $11.2 billion to the New Zealand economy, or 2.7% of the national GDP.

“Based on NZIER’s modelling, we believe Northland can be a $60 billion economy by 2050.That means effectively growing our economy six-fold from the $11 billion we contributed in 2024 by increasing our growth rate by 1.1% above current rates” says Mercer.

“With strategic investment from the private sector in renewable energy, port expansion, and the energy precinct, we can kickstart workforce development in Northland.

“This sends a powerful signal to successive governments: when regional connectivity is enabled, business is prepared to invest heavily.”

‍Northland’s success is Auckland’s gain

‍The Northland economy is growing, and given its abundant resources, and geographical position Northland’s ongoing extension is crucial to the future prosperity and growth of Auckland via delivery of construction, energy, and agricultural output.

Andrew McLeod, Co-chair of Northland Corporate Group says: “If Auckland is the engine of New Zealand’s economy, Northland is the fuel. Energy, infrastructure, and industry are at the heart of our plan to fuel Auckland and beyond.

“We support Auckland’s infrastructure pipeline, supply the country’s only domestically produced cement, and fuel every plane leaving Auckland International Airport. Our agricultural and horticultural sectors are strong, and our tourism, logistics, and manufacturing industries are growing as Auckland grows,” says McLeod.

‍The building blocks of Northland’s growth‍

NZIER’s report is an invitation to the rest of Aotearoa to look north. Northland is ready to grow, and in doing so, to lift the prosperity of the entire nation.

Michael Bealing, principal economist at NZIER, points to the natural abundance of resources and regional benefits in Northland, which can be scaled economically to benefit Auckland and Aotearoa New Zealand as a whole.

“With its rich renewable assets, industrial readiness, and commitment to address connectivity to Auckland, the region is poised for economic diversification and sustainable growth,” says Bealing.

“Strategic partnerships with iwi and communities, resilient infrastructure, and a clear investment pipeline will unlock jobs, lift incomes, and deliver national gains- economic, environmental, and social.”

The report highlights Northland’s pivotal role in New Zealand’s future, especially in relation to Auckland’s growth. Key opportunities include:

• Unlocking untapped potential: Northland’s under-utilised assets – especially in renewable energy – can drive national economic, environmental, and social gains.
• Industrial readiness: The region’s legacy of large-scale investment, existing capabilities, and skilled workforce make it primed for new ventures.
• Economic diversification: With improved infrastructure and stronger ties to Auckland, Northland is ready to attract investment in advanced manufacturing, logistics, energy, and tourism.
• Job creation and talent retention: Growth across industries will lift productivity and incomes, helping raise GDP per capita.
• Strategic partnering: Partnering with iwi and local communities ensures growth is sustainable, equitable, and widely beneficial.
• Resilient transport links: Upgrading infrastructure to boost regional connectivity, support growth, and safeguard against climate disruptions.
• Clear investment pipeline: Greater visibility and certainty in infrastructure planning to build confidence among businesses, investors, and communities.

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Access the report and economic snapshot here.

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ENDS

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Media contact:

Adam Warin   +64 21 029 01388 | adam.warin@pead.co.nz

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