John Banks

Auckland Mayor John Banks says the new Auckland Council must work to restore confidence to the backbone of the region's economy - the small to medium-sized businesses.

Mayor Banks has released his Six Point Plan for SMEs at johnbanks.co.nz and he believes it will help "re-stoke the jobs engine and revive the region".

"Almost 55,000 Aucklanders are currently unemployed. That represents 7.8% of our workforce and an enormous waste. "If those 55,000 people were earning only the minimum wage and working a 40 hour week, it would bring an extra $1.2 billion of after-tax wages into the Auckland economy each year."

Mayor Banks, a former restaurant owner, says it is important the Auckland Council has a 'can do' attitude when dealing with small to medium-sized businesses.

This will include any Council recommendation undergoing an assessment of the compliance burden it imposes on SMEs before it can be adopted.

"We must make sure that the Council doesn't cripple struggling SMEs with costly rates and bureaucracy. "As a former small business owner I know that times are tough and there is not a lot of spare cash, so I will commit to using your rates carefully and not like an ATM that some candidates propose."

Mayor Banks says reduction in red tape will be a key performance indicator for the Chief Executive. "Later this year we will have to find jobs for thousands of school leavers and university graduates across the Auckland region. This will be a major issue.

"Auckland's schools have record-sized senior classes and university rolls are full as educational institutions become holding pens for youth who can't find work. We must offer them a solution." Banks' six point plan includes a commitment to:

Keep rates under control and minimise red tape;

Bring international events to Auckland and foster the development of SME-reliant growth sectors like the film industry;

Encourage a positive retail and commercial environment with the sensible treatment of signs;

Support our main streets and business associations with promotional, planning and public safety help;

Work closely with the Government to develop SME-friendly policies; and

Continue to include smaller local providers of services in Council procurement policies.