From this mornings Nine To Noon programme on RNZ:

Auckland contributes 38 per cent of the country's GDP, but our biggest city is still facing headwinds.

Unemployment is at a nine year high, the CBD shop vacancy rate is the highest in the country, and the government is considering measures to move rough sleepers out of the central city.

On the bright side - the new Convention Centre is set to open, there are plans for more events at Eden Park and the long awaited City Rail Link is due next year.

Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive Simon Bridges has been vocal about the need for more central government fiscal stimulus to help Auckland recover from a long, deep recession.

But he's cautiously optimistic that sentiment is lifting and better days are ahead.