David's viewpoint

Northland economy 'most improved' in survey

The recent Household Labour Force Survey showed great improvements for the region; unemployment in Northland is down, employment is up, and more jobs were advertised than five years ago. Read more

Creating ways to grow together

Economies do better when all our people have opportunities to share in the fruits of inclusive growth. Read more

Container shipment ex-Northport shows potential of deep water Northland port

Last week a container shipment left Northport, clearly demonstrating the potential for Northport to support economic growth in our region. Various government announcements have pointed to integrated logistics, port and rail studies. Now is the time to be thinking about these things. David's viewpoint - deep water Northland port

SH1 north is an opportunity for Auckland & Northland

The direction of travel for government's transport investment is clear. The agenda now out for consultation and recent announcements by Minister of Transport Phil Twyford and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff around Auckland's transport investment, highlights safety, regional roads, increased investment in public transport and alternative transport modes. Read more

How do we solve New Zealand's poor productivity?

Northern Advocate - 18 Apr, 2018
By: David Wilson (Northland Inc) and Patrick McVeigh (ATEED)
As part of New Zealand's first Productivity Week in March, businesses were asked to consider how they might help address the country's lacklustre productivity performance.
Read more

Our people, our stories, our places - making them work

Northern Advocate – 4 Apr, 2018
I had the real pleasure of visiting Italy whilst on holiday. One of the highlights for me was a visit to Pompei, kind of squeezed it in on the way to the Amalfi coast. There are so many amazing places to visit in Italy but Pompeii really surprised me. Read more

Northland a significant part of the NZ solution

Northern Advocate – 21 Mar, 2018
Think Barcelona, Mallorca, Amsterdam and Venice – cities that have traditionally relied on and developed because of tourism, but where many believe have reached their tipping point where the level of tourism has become unsustainable. Read more

Provincial Growth Fund has potential to generate equitable growth across NZ

Northern Advocate – 7 Mar, 2018
Nations are struggling to find ways to create an environment where the tide rises for all regions. Governments are struggling with the concurrent pressures of globalisation and urbanisation, and the associated pressures on their provincial regions. Read more

North facing exciting digital future

Northern Advocate – 27 Feb, 2018
If you're one of those people shouting at your TV in Northland because the movie won't download or you're still on dial-up, or in a mobile blackspot, or you can't send/receive important files in your business, things are about to change. Read more

Small business is Big business

18 July, 2017 – A number of years ago I was lucky enough to attend an International Economic Development Council conference in New York. More