Cameron Brewer

News that Auckland's population is expected to swell by over 570,000 people in just 21 years will be welcome news to many Auckland businesses, claims an Auckland business advocate.

"These figures show that investing or setting up a business in Auckland could be be a very smart move. Despite any short-term grizzles, this is where the long-term growth is going to be," says Cameron Brewer, chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association.

Statistics New Zealand today projected that the Auckland region is set to account for 60 percent of New Zealand's population growth between 2006 and 2031, with a population increase from 1.37 million to 1.94 million.

"While 570,000 more people will bring huge challenges, they'll also bring enormous opportunity. To keep this in perspective 478,600 people live in the entire Wellington Region alone. It's effectively like adding both Wellington and Dunedin to Auckland. It is massive and it's very positive."

"Auckland business needed some good news after an pretty flat start to the year, with unemployment up, uncertainty around tax law, and confidence slipping back a bit. This is a timely reminder that Auckland's long-term growth prospects look bright," says Cameron Brewer.