As Auckland prepares to celebrate the opening of the City Rail Link (CRL) later this year, it is worth reflecting on those who helped city centre businesses navigate one of the most challenging periods in their history.
No one has been a stronger champion for businesses in the city centre than Viv Beck, Chief Executive of Heart of the City (pictured above).
For more than a decade, as CRL construction transformed large parts of the central city into a construction zone, Beck consistently advocated for the thousands of businesses whose livelihoods were affected by disruption, uncertainty and delay. While the project itself promised long-term benefits for Auckland, the immediate reality for many businesses was years of reduced foot traffic, difficult access, noise, dust and continual upheaval.
Throughout that period, Beck ensured that the voices of business owners were heard. She was a tireless advocate, regularly engaging with elected representatives, government agencies, Auckland Council and project delivery organisations to highlight the practical impacts that construction was having on businesses. She brought credibility, persistence and a clear understanding of what was at stake for the people who had invested their livelihoods in the city centre.
Many business owners felt isolated as construction dragged on year after year. Timelines were extended, completion dates shifted, and disruption continued for far longer than many had originally been led to expect. Through it all, Beck remained a constant and effective voice, reminding decision-makers that behind every construction site were real businesses, real employees and real families carrying the burden of the project.
As Auckland celebrates the engineering achievement that the CRL represents, it is important to acknowledge the extraordinary resilience shown by city centre businesses. Hundreds endured years of disruption. Some survived only through sheer determination and the loyalty of their customers. Others were unfortunately unable to continue operating. The sacrifices made by these businesses should not be forgotten as we mark the completion of this transformative project.
One of the most common concerns raised by business owners throughout the construction period was the quality of engagement from the organisations charged with delivering the CRL. Too often, communication appeared to be something that was done to businesses rather than with them. Many owners felt their concerns about access, construction impacts and delays were acknowledged but not adequately addressed. For businesses already under pressure, that lack of meaningful engagement only compounded the challenges they faced.
Credit should also be given to Waitematā Local Board Member Greg Moyle, himself a business owner in the city centre. During our previous term, Moyle ably represented our board on the Heart of the City Board. Moyle brought valuable local knowledge and a practical understanding of the issues facing businesses throughout the CRL construction period. His contribution helped strengthen connections between local government and the city centre business community during a particularly difficult chapter.
Strong leadership has been critical during the instability of the Heart of The City Board, now on its fourth Chairperson
since last September. Stability and continuity at governance level are important for any organisation, particularly one that plays such a critical role in representing the interests of Auckland's city centre businesses.
Against that backdrop, Beck's leadership has been all the more impressive. She has continued to provide consistent leadership, strategic direction and effective advocacy.
The opening of the CRL will rightly be celebrated as one of Auckland's most significant infrastructure milestones. It promises to reshape how people move around our city and strengthen the economic future of the city centre.
As the celebrations begin, we should recognise the businesses that endured years of disruption to make this project possible, and the individuals who stood alongside them. Among those, Beck stands out as an exceptional leader whose commitment to Auckland's city centre never wavered. The city centre business community is stronger because of her advocacy, and Auckland is better for it.
To contact Sarah Trotman, in her capacity as a C&R Member, email her at sarahtrotman@outlook.com
To contact her, in her capacity as an Elected Member of Auckland Council’s Waitematā Local Board, email her at sarah.trotman@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or you can give her a call on M: 021 487 583. (SARAH TROTMAN, ONZM)
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