This is to provide you with an update on the outcome on voting for the Takanini BID proposal which concluded last week.
Takanini is a thriving and diverse community with a unique mix of businesses - retail, manufacturing, professional services, and more. But we face challenges: increasing crime and safety concerns, traffic congestion, and a lack of a clear identity. We need a stronger voice to advocate for our needs and drive growth. The solution? Together Takanini.
By establishing a Business Improvement District (BID), we can pool our resources, address these challenges head-on, and unlock the full potential of our business community. Imagine a safer Takanini with improved infrastructure, targeted marketing campaigns to attract customers, and a strong voice to influence decisions that affect us.
A BID is a proven model for success. In Auckland alone there are 52 BIDs representing over 30,000 businesses that work together to create thriving commercial areas. It's time for Takanini to join this movement and reap the benefits.
“It is simply inconceivable that Takanini, with its thriving and diverse mix of businesses, is not yet a BID. We are one of the last major business areas in Auckland not to have a BID and it’s time we put that right.”
Jenny Sinclair –Chair, Takanini Business Association
Here's how a BID can make a real difference:
- Enhanced Safety: Dedicated security patrols and CCTV cameras to deter crime and create a safer environment for businesses, employees, and customers.
- Improved Infrastructure: Advocate for better roads, parking, and public transport to improve accessibility and traffic flow.
- Targeted Marketing: Promote Takanini as a vibrant destination with events and campaigns that attract customers and boost local businesses.
- Stronger Advocacy: A unified voice to represent Takanini businesses with Auckland Council and other authorities on key issues.
- The Business Improvement District (BID) programme operates between Auckland Council and business associations that have committed to developing a local business environment. Currently, 52 BID programmes operate across the Auckland region, representing more than 30,000 businesses.
- The BID programme brings local businesses and other stakeholders together to improve the strength of local communities to create sociable, safe and accessible destinations. BID Associations are driven by a group of local champions who understand their communities and have a passion for their local business district.
- Each BID runs as an independent not-for-profit organisation led by an Executive Committee made up of member representatives. Each BID has their own set of rules (constitution) lodged with the Companies Office and all BIDs are audited annually.
- A BID receives funding via a targeted rate applied to all commercial property within the defined BID boundary. This rate is collected by Auckland Council. 100% of the targeted rate is then returned to the specific BID and managed by the BID management team who report to their Executive Committee.
- Further information on BID programmes and the BID policy can be found on Auckland Council’s website: https://bid.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
- A Takanini BID will be dedicated solely to making it easier, safer and more profitable to run a business in our local area. Following the establishment of a BID to represent all businesses in the Takanini area (including the industrial area, Takanini Town Centre, Southgate, Oak Junction and Ross Corner), our representation would cover approximately 400 businesses and 300 property owners. Under the programme, businesses vote collectively to invest in improvements to enhance their local business area.
Are you on our list? We want to make sure that all businesses operating in Takanini have a chance to participate in the vote to establish a BID.
Click here to download a list of eligble businesses that we have details for (as at 25th February) - if your business is missing, please email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Given that businesses changes happen on an almost daily basis, this list may not be 100% accurate.
We will make changes and update the list regularly during the ballot to reflect the most up to date informatiuon at the time.
Click here to download a list of properties eligible to vote in the ballot.
The Takanini BID will focus on delivering tangible benefits to your business in three key areas:
Advocacy and Representation:
- We'll be your strong voice, working with Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, and other authorities to address issues like traffic congestion, infrastructure improvements, and the impact of major projects like the Level Crossing removal.
- We'll troubleshoot problems on your behalf, ensuring your concerns are heard and acted upon.
Safety and Security:
- We'll invest in dedicated security patrols and crime prevention initiatives such as CCTV cameras to create a safer environment for businesses, employees, and customers.
- We'll work with Police and security companies to share information and address crime proactively.
Marketing and Promotion:
- We'll develop a strong brand identity for Takanini and promote it as a vibrant destination through events, marketing campaigns, and local publications.
- We'll create opportunities for businesses to network, collaborate, and showcase their offering.
To achieve these goals, the BID will undertake a range of projects, including:
- Establishing a dedicated security patrol operating seven nights a week.
- Establishing a network of monitored CCTV cameras connected to Police.
- Advocating for traffic and local infrastructure improvements.
- Supporting and promoting local events that attract visitors to Takanini.
- Conducting regular networking events with guest speakers.
- Providing regular communication and updates to BID members.
- Connecting businesses with support services and information.
The annual targeted rate is based on a $600 flat charge per individually rated commercial property and small percentage of their property’s capital value (CV) to collectively reach a budget of $500,000.
The exact percentage (currently $0.00018104) may vary slightly depending on changes to the number of rateable properties within the boundary or on council property valuations.
There are approximately 300 individual properties in the proposed BID expanded area (400 businesses) meaning an average BID targeted rate of $781 per property per annum (based on a CV of $1,000,000 and bearing in mind that many properties have more than one tenant as shown in the examples below).
BID rate = $600 + 0.00018104 x CV of commercially rated property
Example: A property has a Capital Value of $1,000,000
$600 + 0.00018104 x $1,000,000) = $781per annum
BIDs succeed because they are focussed, entrepreneurial and cost-efficient – providing a powerful and fast business-led response to address everchanging economic conditions
Assuming each tenant shares the rate charge equally:
Property has one tenant
Total fee divided by # of tenants = $781 / 1 =
- $781 per tenant per annum OR
- $195 per tenant per quarter OR
- $60 per tenant per month
Property has two tenants
Total fee divided by # of tenants = $781 / 2 =
- $390 per tenant per annum OR
- $97 per tenant per quarter OR
- $33 per tenant per month
Property has four tenants
Total fee divided by # of tenants = $781 / 4 =
- 1950 per tenant per annum OR
- $49 per tenant per quarter OR
- $16 per tenant per month
BIDs do not replace the local council or other statutory service providers but instead provide additional resources.
With public finances under pressure, BIDs are increasingly seen as the way in which town centres can surge ahead.
The BID is funded by a small levy on commercial property owners, with 100% of the funds directly invested back into Takanini. We believe in transparency and accountability.
The annual targeted rate is based on a $600 flat charge per individually rated commercial property and small percentage of their property’s capital value (CV) to collectively reach a budget of $500,000. The exact percentage (currently 0.00018104%) may vary slightly depending on changes to the number of businesses operating within the boundary or on council property valuations.
Here’s how your investment will be used:
Proposed budget: 2025-26
- Membership / Networking $50,000 (10%)
- CCTV Network $150,000 (30%)
- Advocacy $20,000 (4%)
- Security Patrols $80,000 (16%)
- Branding / Promotions $50,000 (10%)
- Operating expenses $150,000 (30%)
Proposed budget: 2026-27
- Membership / Networking $40,000 (8%)
- CCTV Network $150,000 (30%)
- Advocacy $20,000 (4%)
- Security Patrols $100,000 (20%)
- Branding / Promotions $40,000 (8%)
- Operating expenses $150,000 (30%)
Business rates are a regional tax collected by Auckland Council. The BID Targeted Rate is a specific levy for additional local projects within the BID area which enhance the local business area and support economic development, delivered, and managed on behalf of our members by the Takanini Business Association.
The BID targeted rate is charged to commercial property owners within the BID boundary via their Council rates bill. Landlords may then pass this rate (or a portion thereof) onto business tenants under the terms of their lease.
The Eligible Voters List is a combination of commercial property owners and commercial tenants in the proposed expansion area. The Eligible Voters List is based on the principle of one business entity – one vote, or one person – one vote. This means that all parties who will benefit from the Business Improvement District expansion will have the chance to vote YES.
If you are a commercial property owner or a legitimate business operating within the BID boundary you will get a vote to decide on establishing a BID or not.
In order for the ballot to be considered, Auckland Council needs to receive at least 25% of ballot papers returned, and of those a minimum of 51% of votes must be in favour of a BID Partnership Programme and BID target rate. If the vote is successful, the BID rate, like any other commercial rate, will be mandatory on all commercial properties within the boundary.
All eligible voters will receive, by email, a link to their ballot voting form. You may vote either online or by returning your paper in the mail. If you believe you are eligible to vote, and do not receive a voting ballot, you can contact Independent Election Services, and they will send you one.
The ballot voting period commences 19 February 2025 and closes 19 March 2025. This ballot is conducted by Independent Election Services on behalf of the Takanini Business Association. If successful, the BID rate will apply from 1 July 2025.
If you have any questions about the BID process please contact:
Gary Holmes , Manager of the Takanini Business Association on 0274 966283 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or Gill Plume for Auckland Council BID policy on email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Several drop-in information sessions will be held between now and during the voting period (19th February - 19th March 2025). These are to give you an opportunity to find out more about the BID proposal and have your questions answered.
Thursday 28th November 2024: 5.30pm at Parkinson & Holland, 31a Rangi Road, Takanini.
Friday 13th December 2024: 12pm at Bayleys Real Estate offices, 292 Great South Road, Takanini.
Tuesday 21st January 2025: 10am at The Coffee Club, Takanini Town Centre and 11am at Gloria Jeans Coffee, Southgate Shopping Centre.
Tuesday 11th February 2025: 5.30pm at Parkinson & Holland, 31a Rangi Road, Takanini.
Wednesday 12th February 2025: 10.30am – 11.30am at Ray White Auction Room, 6/212 Great South Road, Takanini
Monday 24th February 2025 5.30pm to 7.00pm at The Blacksmith, Takanini Town Centre
You can also contact either:Gary Holmes: (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0274 966283) or Mike Tohill: (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 021 878 451) to arrange a suitable time for us to pop in and discuss the proposal with you.