economic & social developmenteconomic & social development

Government agencies often try to stimulate economic and social development. Covec assists these efforts by analysing the structure and evolution of economies and societies and using disciplined analysis to identify interventions that are likely to be effective. Our approach is collaborative; we consult widely and partner with specialist associates when required (e.g. for social analyses).

Examples of Our Work: 

Analysis of the cruise ship industry

Auckland Regional Council
GUEDO

Covec has provided advice to several public sector agencies on the costs and benefits of developing a new cruise ship terminal in Auckland.  During the course of these projects we have examined the economic benefits of the cruise ship industry, analysed detailed ship and passenger movement data and assessed a range of design and location options for a dedicated cruise ship terminal in Auckland.

Bringing the world to Auckland – A visitor plan for the Auckland Region

AucklandPlus

Covec was commissioned by AucklandPlus to prepare a strategic roadmap for the Auckland region outlining the key steps required to transform Auckland into a world class visitor destination.  Many of our recommendations are already being acted upon by various local and central government agencies.

application/pdf iconBringingTheWorldToAuckland Summary.pdf

Competition between supermarkets

Foodstuffs

Expert testimony on economic issues arising from a proposal for a new Pak'nSave supermarket at Wairau Rd on Auckland's North Shore, before the Environment Court.

Cost allocation dispute over Auckland's northern busway

Expert testimony on the appropriate allocation of North Shore City's share of Northern Busway costs as between existing and future residents.

Cost-benefit analysis training

Two-day short course on economic issues in cost-benefit analysis.

Covec FRED Presentation

This presentation to the 12th annual Local Government Finance Forum introduces our framework for economic development (FRED) - a next-generation decision support tool to improve local and regional economic growth.

application/pdf iconCovec FRED Presentation.pdf

Demand for high-speed broadband in Auckland

Auckland Regional Broadband Authority

Primary research and econometric modelling of willingness to pay for enhanced broadband services by households and firms in the Auckland region.

application/pdf iconOpen Access Broadband in Auckland.pdf

Drivers of economic growth in Auckland

Royal Commission on Auckland's Governance

Review of the state of knowledge regarding economic growth in Auckland, including the potential benefits of agglomeration and innovation.

application/pdf iconDrivers of Economic Growth in Auckland.pdf

Economic development of Auckland City

Auckland City Council

Analysis of the goals of economic development, the context for economic growth, scenarios for future development and the rationale for Council intervention.

application/pdf iconACC Thinkpiece.pdf

Economic development of the Auckland region

Auckland Regional Council

Review of the Auckland Regional Economic Development Strategy (AREDS) and the Metro Project Action Plan in light of economic and governance changes.

Economic impact of enhancements to Aotea quarter

Auckland City Council

This project involved identifying and estimating the economic benefits generated by Auckland City Council’s investment in a range of social and cultural developments in Aotea Quarter.  The outputs included estimates of additional GDP and employment generated by the developments.

Economic impact of retail development

Chaffers Properties

Analysis of the impact of a proposed development at Takapu Island in the Wellington region on the viability of nearby centres.

Economic impact of retail development

Glaister Ennor

Analysis of the impact of a proposed development at Warkworth on the viability of nearby retail centres.

Liberalisation of telecommunications in Vanuatu

Government of Vanuatu

Negotiation of an early end to the monopoly telecommunications franchise including compensation modelling. Provision of complete regulatory service for first 18 months of the new competitive regime, including design and implementation of universal access policy.

Metropolitan urban limits

Environment Bay of Plenty

Analysis and expert testimony on economic issues arising from the use of urban limits by Councils to influence the spatial pattern of development, before the Environment Court.

Non-rate funding options for councils

Analysis of the ways that local government councils can finance their activities, other than through property rates.

Review of estimated impacts of a national convention centre in Auckland

Auckland City Council

Covec was commissioned by Auckland City Council to review the projected economic impact reported in “New Zealand Convention Centre: Business Case and Facility Recommendations”.  Our review focussed primarily on the method used to calculate the projected economic impact and the reasonableness of the data used to support the calculation.

The composition and scale of Auckland’s economy

Royal Commission on Auckland's Governance

Analysis of the population, the industrial structure, economic outcomes for Aucklanders, and the economic links between Auckland and other places.

application/pdf iconComposition and Scale of Auckland's Economy.pdf

The economic impact of the screen production industry on Auckland City

Auckland City Council

The purpose of this report was to demonstrate the contribution the screen production industry makes to the Auckland City economy.  This included estimating the economic impact of the screen production industry on Auckland City; and determining how it delivered direct and indirect economic benefits to businesses in Auckland City.