There’s nothing quite like summer in Auckland, the long sunny days, packed beaches and the hum of events bringing people together.
Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a day at the cricket or a night out in town, the city is buzzing with activity. It’s been great to get out and about, seeing people making the most of the season and businesses starting to pick up with the increase in visitors. The green shoots of recovery are showing, and it’s a reminder of how important events are in keeping our city vibrant and our economy moving.
I’ve recently met with business owners and residents across the Mt Albert electorate and wider Auckland region. While they share excitement for the season, they also have concerns. In particular, businesses in Kingsland, a lively area with bars, cafes and restaurants, stand to gain from the increased foot traffic that events at Eden Park bring. These businesses are hopeful that more visitors will stay in the area, enjoying meals or drinks before and after events and contributing to the local economy.
One thing I’ve heard repeatedly is their desire to see more music and arts events in the area. With the train line running conveniently through several stations, there’s a chance to create a connected cultural and entertainment hub that draws people from all over Auckland as well as overseas visitors.
At the time of writing, the Auckland Future Fund Bill is about to go for its first reading in Parliament. The bill is designed to strengthen Auckland’s financial resilience by creating a dedicated investment fund for infrastructure and regional development. Meanwhile, local businesses are urging the council to support event logistics to ensure their success. The message is clear – our communities see the opportunity and they want the Government and local council to work together to make it happen.
The numbers back up this vision. A report from Stats New Zealand shows that in December 2024, nearly 470,000 overseas visitors arrived, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. Eden Park’s recent expansion, which allows for up to 12 concerts annually, is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the local area and Auckland.
February has been an exciting month for the country, with a variety of summer events and celebrations bringing people together. This momentum provides a strong foundation for the year ahead, strengthening our economy and creating even more opportunities for our communities.
Our Government is actively working to attract overseas visitors and investors, with Auckland serving as a key gateway. At the heart of it all, it’s your voice that matters. The vision of a city where businesses thrive, communities unite and events energise our streets is one we all share. I want to hear from you with your ideas, your aspirations and how we can work together to make our city and our country an even better place to live. Let’s build a future we’re all proud of.
(Hon Melissa Lee) National List MP based in Mt Albert Authorised by Melissa Lee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
MPLee@parliament.govt.nz
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