History
In 2002 there was a growing concern for many businesses in Rosebank about the need for better security in the area. A clear feeling emerged that, if there was a collective effort, the area would be safer for both people and property. Thus, out of collegial activity, The Rosebank Business Association was mooted.
At the first meeting, which had an excellent response, a decision was made to form an executive representing a broad base across many of the industries in the area.
Regular "Hosting" meetings began in October 2002, the first courtesy of Mark Darrah of Reliance Transport. Here, in a convivial environment, members could come together, bring a guest if they wished, and discuss what was happening in the area. Host companies had the opportunity to talk about their business over a drink and a bite to eat. The average number attending these regular meetings was 70 people and many strong alliances were formed.
With the momentum of activity gathering pace, it became apparent that there was a need to move to a structured base for the association, rather than one largely reliant on voluntary contributions, hence the Rosebank Business Association was incorporated in 2003. In consultation with the Auckland City Council, the Mainstreet model of urban activity was explored, and in 2005, Rosebank became the first non-retail area in New Zealand to adopt this model. It proved to be beneficial to all concerned and enabled the RBA to have a much closer "ear to the ground" with all the local authorities and to be able to represent rate payers in a better informed manner.
Rosebank Business Improvement District
Rosebank became a Business Improvement District (BID) in July 2005. All ratepayers in the area were polled and the polling process resulted in a strong vote to enter into the BID structure as a partner with the Auckland City Council.
An Executive Committee comprised of elected Rosebank business people ensures Rosebank's BID programme operates efficiently and works towards meeting its objectives. The committee includes representatives from the RBA Executive, Auckland Council and the Whau Local Board. The BID thus is given formal recognition within the city and has guaranteed funding. It carries forward the work begun by the RBA.
Rosebank Business Association
Regardless of the BID structure, the Rosebank Business Association continues as a voluntary organisation with its own members and funding through membership subscriptions. Regular RBA meetings provide a forum for raising local issues and building community spirit. There is great care taken to separate the funding of the BID and the RBA within their respective areas of activity, The Rosebank Roundabout embraces news and items from both organisations and is funded jointly.
The RBA Today
From its beginnings, the Rosebank Business Association has grown from a purely voluntary organisation to an economic structure with fulltime staffing. There are more than 500 businesses to be found in the Rosebank Precinct.
We co-ordinate networking events and activities; business development opportunities, Breakfast Workshops, CEO Luncheons, education and training, networking members - Hostings after 5. We provide submissions to both local and central governments principally on solutions on issues such as traffic and transport management, security, graffiti control and are positioned to be the voice for Rosebank on all other advocacy based issues that may require local body or central government involvement. Recently the RBA and its members assisted Auckland City Council in developing the Rosebank 2030 plan. The Rosebank 2030 Business Precinct Plan will guide a range of council policies ensuring that current and future business needs of the precinct are reflected across council activities.
Given that concerns about business security issues and often the attendant graffiti problems were instrumental in driving the formation of the RBA these highly debilitating issues still remain a community issue.
We have also partnered with New Lynn Rotary to form the Pathways to the Future Charitable Trust. It aims to encourage and reward the employees that contribute to business success and practice a "Do it once, Do it well" attitude. The Trust provides monetary and recognition awards, vocational courses and exchange trips to selected applicants.
