economic & 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).
Analysis of Affordable Housing Policy
Provided economic evidence on Queenstown’s proposal to include affordable housing provisions in its district plan.
Analysis of Residential Property Prices
Analysed data on 40,000 residential property sales to determine the effects of more than 100 different variables on residential property prices, and to isolate the specific effects of different locations.
Analysis of the cruise ship industry
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.
Analysis of Urban Development Scenarios
Developed a financial model to compare the effects of different urban development scenarios on Council debt, rates and infrastructure charges. This model was the first of its kind.
Assessing the Impacts of New Retail Developments
Developed a model to test the effects of new retail centres on the health and vitality of existing centres. This used real-world transaction data to provide a very detailed picture of consumer spending, and to accurately identify the nature of competition between centres.
Bringing the world to Auckland – A visitor plan for the Auckland Region
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.
Business Land Projections
Generated business land projections to 2050 using a combination of empirical methods.
Competition between supermarkets
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.
Demand for high-speed broadband in Auckland
Primary research and econometric modelling of willingness to pay for enhanced broadband services by households and firms in the Auckland region.
Drivers of economic growth in Auckland
Review of the state of knowledge regarding economic growth in Auckland, including the potential benefits of agglomeration and innovation.
Economic development of Auckland City
Analysis of the goals of economic development, the context for economic growth, scenarios for future development and the rationale for Council intervention.
Economic development of the Auckland region
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
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
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
Analysis of the impact of a proposed development at Warkworth on the viability of nearby retail centres.
Liberalisation of telecommunications in 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
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
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
Analysis of the population, the industrial structure, economic outcomes for Aucklanders, and the economic links between Auckland and other places.
The economic impact of the screen production industry on Auckland City
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.