Well it has certainly been an interesting month, our thoughts have been with the people of Christchurch for much of that time.  Many local businesses moved quickly to provide help where they could.

Now our thoughts will also be with the people of Japan. 

We had a great Business After 5 function last month, thanks to the team at Mitre 10 Mega and the support we are receiving from the Economic Development Unit of the new council.   Our speakers explained why moving to a Business Improvement District is important for Pukekohe.   At our next meeting we will have the Chairman of the Wiri Business Association to speak on how they have benefited. 

It was great to see a wider range of business owners at the February event.  This month we are keen to see representatives of the manufacturing and trades sectors, so please come along.

As a BID we would be a business lobby group representing your needs to the Auckland Council and central government.  The delays in the CCTV project are an indication of how easy it is to become invisible in the new council structure. 

We will have funding for promotions, events and marketing, the opportunity to fund crime prevention initiatives and input on urban design.  

I know the next question is “where will the money come from?”.  The good news is that every business in Pukekohe currently pays a Targeted Economic Development Rate totalling in excess of $1m.  Some of this money was used to fund EFDT, the location of the balance we have been unable to identify. 

As a BID our funding will come from this rate, with the balance used by ATEED and the council Economic Development unit.  As a ratepayer I want to know how this money is spent and what benefit it is bringing our town!

We anticipate funding at least one full time employee to liaise with businesses and implement our strategic plan.  The current plan is on the website.  From 1 July we will be working on a new plan and a consultation process will take place with the business community.

This is our opportunity to build a strong community where people want to live, work and do business, please get involved.

Kind regards
Margaret Holmes
President