Supporting businesses to survive construction – essential not an afterthought

Heart of the City welcomes NZIER’s latest Insight report, released today, outlining the need to build construction impacts and financial support into infrastructure decision-making from the outset. “Local businesses impacted by CRL construction have paid a big price for progress. We want this independent assessment to spearhead action so this never happens again,” says Viv Beck, Chief Executive, Heart of the City.

“The long struggle to secure a smidgeon of the funds allocated to projects in other countries has at least helped some to survive a decade of construction. However, we have continued to stress the need to ensure future infrastructure projects are set up appropriately to support impacted businesses from the start. It is validating to have this reinforced in the report.”

“Effective governance, along with recognition that impacts can continue after construction is complete reinforces issues raised which have often fallen on deaf ears. 

“We hope to see a positive response to this report and most importantly, action - both in terms of more support for the remainder of works in Auckland’s city centre and with other infrastructure projects in the pipeline. No-one should lose their livelihood or their health and wellbeing due to a public project,” said Ms Beck.

-ENDS-