‘Work from Office’ would boost Auckland’s city centre

Heart of the City is encouraged by the move to get the public sector working back in the office and looks forward to seeing this get more legs in Auckland.

Viv Beck, Chief Executive, Heart of the City says “Having more people working back in city centre offices would make a positive difference - there would be more people out and about, and supporting local businesses”.

Despite around 1 million people a week counted across Heart of the City’s pedestrian counters and 157,500 jobs[1] in Auckland’s city centre, foot traffic sits at about 70% of pre-COVID levels.

Beck says, “The workforce makes up a big chunk of our daytime numbers – but morning peak commuter numbers are down about 30,000 per day from before COVID. More people back in the office would help to change that”.

Positively, recent JLL research[2] indicates that 70% of employees want to be back in the office at least three days per week.

Becks says “We’ve wanted to see the public sector lead the way on ‘Work from Office’ for some time. Whilst yesterday’s decision will have more of a benefit in Wellington, in Auckland we are looking to Auckland Council and others to take up the mantle”.

-ENDS-

[1] Regional Economic Profile | Auckland City Centre | Overview (infometrics.co.nz)

[2] JLL Office Sentiment survey (Oct 2023)