Auckland businesses looking to grow in Australia have a new way in, after the Auckland Business Chamber signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Moreton Bay in South East Queensland.
The agreement was signed in Auckland today by Chamber CEO Simon Bridges and City of Moreton Bay Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway, who is leading a delegation of Queensland business, tourism and government representatives.
The MoU sets up a long-term channel between the two cities in infrastructure, innovation, tourism, advanced manufacturing and sport, including opportunities emerging in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Mr Bridges said Australia had to be front and centre for any Auckland business serious about growth.
“If New Zealand is going to double exports by 2034, a big chunk of that has to come from across the Tasman. That’s just the reality.
“What I like about Moreton Bay is that it’s practical. It’s 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, half an hour from the port, it’s growing fast and there are already more than 1,100 Kiwi businesses operating there. They’ve also got a trade and investment advisor based here in New Zealand, which no other council in Australia has. They’re clearly serious about us.
“Brisbane 2032 will drive a decade of investment in South East Queensland. Auckland firms in construction, manufacturing, tourism and tech should be getting in early, rather than turning up once the market is crowded. This agreement gives our members a straightforward way to do that.”
Deputy Mayor Shipway said the agreement built on strong ties already in place.
“We want Auckland businesses to see City of Moreton Bay as their starting point in Australia,” she said.
“Recently announced large scale projects demonstrate investor and business confidence in City of Moreton Bay, including PsiQuantum building the world’s first utility-scale quantum computer at Moreton Bay Central.
“We are a fast-growing economy and with major industrial land coming online and the 2032 Games on the way, there has never been a better time to be doing business in our City.
“Importantly, this is a two-way partnership with our own businesses gaining new referral pathways into New Zealand and better access to partners and customers in this country.”
