A bold new tech plan is calling on Auckland to become a global innovation hub—and it’s sparking a timely question for our own backyard: why not on the Hibiscus Coast?​

The "Time for Growth" report from the Auckland Tech Council outlines a roadmap to transform the region into a world-class centre for innovation.

It calls for urgent investment and cross-sector collaboration, with early backing already coming from 2degrees, AWS, Deloitte, and others.​

Simon Bridges, CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber, said the moment to act is now.

“We made the case last year. Now we’ve got a real plan to get us there,” he said.​

At the heart of the vision is the Newmarket Innovation Precinct—seen as a key anchor for tech development, particularly in AI and quantum.

The report calls for private and public investment to turn Auckland into a talent magnet and tech powerhouse.​

But as plans take shape, Coasties might be wondering: could some of that energy land here?​

We’ve got space. We’ve got lifestyle appeal. And we’re already home to smart, ambitious people—many of whom commute daily into the city’s tech corridors.​

With the right investment, the Hibiscus Coast could help solve some of the very problems this report highlights—like the need for affordable innovation space, talent attraction, and regional growth.​

Key recommendations in the report include:

• Building an advanced innovation hub.​
• Creating regulatory sandboxes—starting with MedTech.​
• Launching global trade missions to spotlight Kiwi startups.​
• Forming an Employment Accord to close the digital skills gap.​
• Attracting new capital from venture funds and superannuation investors.​

The message is clear: Auckland’s tech future depends on bold moves and broad participation. And there’s no reason the Hibiscus Coast can’t be part of that future.​

With strong community support and plenty of room to grow, the Hibiscus Coast may be perfectly placed to host innovation hubs, tech incubators—or even a future-forward vision like DFIP: the Dairy Flat Innovation Park.

It may only exist in our minds for now—but it’s an idea well worth backing.

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