Why Auckland

Just the facts

With a population of 1.5 million, growing year on year, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most diverse city. It’s young, energetic and innovative, producing 36% of the country’s GDP.

Auckland is also the most educated city in New Zealand, with 20% of the population holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher. The city is home to over 50,000 international students at one time, making it a multicultural and multilingual hotspot.

The city is a fantastic location for international business, and currently has over 600 companies based here. Auckland is just a 3-hour flight from Australia, and is closer to Asia and parts of Africa than Europe or the US. Perfectly positioned to serve the Pacific Rim, Auckland is also one of the first cities in the world to start the working day.

Simple business

The structure of New Zealand’s government – just national and local, with no state boundaries – makes business in Auckland simple and straightforward. Auckland also has competitive wages, low commercial rates and a simple taxation system, with corporate tax set at 30% for all companies.

New Zealand also has DTAs with 35 major trading nations, helping to simplify international taxation issues. But don’t just take our word for it – Auckland was voted third easiest country in the world to do business, and joint first in the world for business integrity and transparency.

Easy living

Auckland was rated the third most livable city in the world by Mercer Quality of Life Survey 2011, and New Zealand is ranked fifth in the Legatum Institute’s happiness study. The mild climate, combined with world-class education and healthcare systems, makes Auckland a great city to live in.

But it’s not just the practical features that make Auckland such a desirable place to live. Surrounded by the beautiful beaches and emerald waters of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland is just minutes from lush rainforest, rolling countryside and the famous native wildlife.

The city itself is home to award-winning eateries, vibrant nightlife and an impressive arts scene, and is a regular stop on musical or theatrical world tours. Auckland city is divided into districts, each with its own unique character, so you’re never far from trendy cafes, boutique shops or harbour views.

A connected city

Auckland is the most connected city in New Zealand, with more than 13 million passengers passing through Auckland International Airport each year. It’s served by 23 international airlines, and has been voted the best airport in the Asia-Pacific region (with Air New Zealand currently voted the world’s number one airline).

Motorways stretch north, south, east and west from Auckland, providing easy access to the rest of the country. New investments in public transport following the Rugby World Cup 2011 have also made it quick and convenient to travel throughout the Auckland region.

The Ports of Auckland are an important part of New Zealand’s international trade industry, servicing over 1400 ships every year. Auckland has sea links to 176 ports, spread across 69 countries worldwide. The port operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Auckland in numbers

From a bustling business district to beautiful scenery, Auckland has it all. So what are you waiting for? Especially if your enterprise is in a sector where Auckland is a world leader: