City profile

Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand with urban population close to 1.5 million, serves as a crucial economic and cultural centre. It has a robust economy, driven by industries such as technology, tourism, and manufacturing. The city is recognized for its educational institutions and a thriving arts scene, which attract international students and professionals. Auckland's unique geographical setting between two harbours makes it a popular location for maritime activities and offers a high quality of life, often featuring highly in global liveability rankings.

Auckland demonstrates exceptional performance in Investor Attractiveness, Assets and Infrastructure, Urban Management and Governance, and Liveability and Loveability.

Looking forward, the city has strong potential to further enhance a well-developed foundation of robust infrastructure ranging from public transport networks to progressive digital connectivity that support its vibrant economic landscape. Auckland also has abundant green spaces such as Auckland Domain, with strong infrastructure and educational institutions contributing to a highly skilled and capable workforce.

 While seeing a high rating when compared with other global cities, Auckland is at a turning point—a moment where there is clear opportunity for the private sector to collaborate closer with the public sector and have a greater contribution to delivering sustainable and resilient infrastructure solutions. It is set to face significant challenges in the future with its rising population and climate change impact. The affordability of housing, ensuring social equity and keeping infrastructure developing at a pace, that can sustain population growth, will all be critical issues to tackle.

Insight

One of the key focus areas for the Auckland Plan 2050 is green infrastructure and the benefits it can bring to enhance air quality, people's well being but also to tackle stormwater run-off and flooding risk. Despite having a high volume of low-rise residential developments, there is an abundance of green infrastructure spread throughout Auckland, with housing often including good-sized gardens, and large urban parks featuring across the city. Yet, there is room for continued improvement. As cities face increasing threats from climate change – including recent extreme weather events – there is a need to fully understand the link between natural and built infrastructure and how we can enhance it. To meet these requirements, Auckland Council (though Watercare) is undertaking the largest wastewater project in New Zealand, building a super-sized tunnel that will run for 16.2kms under Auckland city and the Manukau Harbour to better manage stormwater and wastewater overflows.
See insight in full
Next black arrow