Auckland can be a global tech hub – if business, government and education work together. A new report shows how we can make it happen.
We can make Auckland into an internationally recognised innovation centre. We can, and we should.
Auckland can be a city where MedTech, AgriTech, FinTech, and AI leaders develop world-leading technology, and business thrive.
This will boost productivity across the nation as a whole.
The topic is explored in detail in a new report by the Auckland Tech Council – Making Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland a Global Tech and Innovation Hub.
The Auckland Tech Council is a group of businesses, pulled together by the Auckland Business Chamber, who have been working for more than two years, at looking at what’s needed to develop Auckland into a world-leading centre of tech excellence.
Central to the recommendations in the latest report is the call for central and local government and private sector investment and support for the University of Auckland Newmarket Innovation Precinct.
At 2degrees, we have been privileged to help shape the report and the Auckland Tech Council’s vision for Auckland, working with the Auckland Business Chamber, Deloitte, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and MinterEllisonRuddWatts.
Thanks to the amazing tech infrastructure we have, the goal of a weightless economy is possible. We have all the assets we need for access to technology – from substantial and increasing submarine cable connectivity, an amazing fibre network, substantial 5G infrastructure, and developing satellite assets.
The Auckland Tech Council’s vision for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is for it to be recognised as a Global Tech and Innovation city. A place where innovation flourishes and opportunities are present for those eager to be part of a vibrant and internationally connected tech and innovation ecosystem.
My firm belief is that we can make Auckland a city that leads the world, and this will have positive benefits for the nation as a whole.
At 2degrees we understand that to support Auckland’s growth as a leading Tech and Innovation City, significant private sector commitments are essential, combined with support from both central and local government leaders.
The Auckland Tech Council identified cities such as Dublin, Vancouver, Brisbane, Portland, and Austin as comparable peers.
It says: “These peer cities support thriving tech ecosystems through a variety of initiatives aimed at fostering technological innovation and growth. Among these are tax incentives, simplified regulatory processes, significant venture capital support and access to funding, technology education, and collaboration between public and private sectors.”
Key recommendations and insights
- Look at increasing and supporting key innovation zones – such as the Newmarket Innovation Precinct which has been developed by the University of Auckland in the old Lion Brewery site in Newmarket. In 2025, 40 companies have chosen to co-locate in the precinct.
- Auckland (and New Zealand as a whole) has world class technology infrastructure. New Zealand’s world leading investment into an ultrafast broadband network has already produced more than $31 billion in economic benefit over its lifetime. Auckland is rapidly putting itself on the global technology map; it will become one of fewer than 20 cities outside of the US with hyperscale cloud computing infrastructure from all global cloud providers.
- We need to be deliberate and cross functional. The report says: “If key players in Auckland – the Council, central government, the universities and the local business community – established a formal alliance to promote the Tech City and Innovation, progress towards this future could be accelerated. In cities such as London, Singapore and Barcelona, local council leaders champion technology and innovation, governments are committed to this agenda, and business chambers work together with cities to drive change. A city alliance acts as the platform for activity, initiatives and change.”
- We need to address the skills shortage in tech – through post-graduate roles, more internships (2degrees has a healthy and thriving grad and intern programme), and partnerships between the private and education sectors.
- We need to increase the diversity of funds investing in Auckland ventures. Many smart ideas and players from New Zealand head overseas to get funding. We need to help keep them based in New Zealand, and bring in overseas investment.
- We need to increase PhD enrolment and start empowering PhD students to start businesses in New Zealand.
There’s a lot there – it’s a big list and won’t be easy to achieve. But it is achievable if we all play our part.
A key focus needs to be on public-private partnerships. 2degrees, AWS, Deloitte and MinterEllisonRuddWatts have committed to supporting Auckland’s continued growth and development and invite their contemporaries in the private sector to stand up and be counted in their support of Auckland’s development.
Auckland, and New Zealand, can have a bright future, we can lead the world in technology. We have the talent, we have the can-do attitude, we have amazing technology at our fingertips. With a concerted and concentrated effort we can make this happen. Just imagine what NZ Inc can produce, and what this will do for future generations.
We can build a strong community that people want to join, and slow the brain drain that we have seen in previous years.
We have committed to being a strong partner on this journey, and my call to business leaders is to join us on this path. Let’s talk!
Read the full report here.
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