Nine To Noon Simon Bridges: 'Auckland business sentiment is lifting'
Nov 9, 2025
Simon Bridges, Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive and former National Party leader, shares insights on Auckland's economic challenges and recovery prospects. He discusses the essential role of Auckland in driving national growth and highlights recent government measures improving business sentiment. Simon advocates for targeted fiscal stimulus to create jobs and calls for reforms in energy costs to boost manufacturing. He also addresses compassionate strategies for managing homelessness in the CBD to revitalize the city, blending optimism with practical solutions.
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Auckland Is Economically Central
- Auckland dominates New Zealand's economy and needs to succeed for the country to prosper.
- Simon Bridges stresses Auckland's scale, multiculturalism and role as the international gateway to explain its outsized importance.
Boost Cities With Targeted Spending
- Use targeted fiscal measures to boost big-city recovery, especially via major events and tourism.
- Simon Bridges applauds recent government spending on events and investor migrant changes as sentiment builders.
Spend On Growth, Not Consumption
- Prioritise spending that leads to jobs and growth rather than consumption.
- Simon Bridges recommends funding major events and tourism activations because they produce measurable local economic activity.