Shared vision key to growth
Published on 03 December 2025
Mayor Ken Couper hosts Northland elected members, business and community representatives at the Northland Corporate Group's Look North presentation at Te Iwitahi (civic centre) on Monday 1 December 2025.
Mayor Ken Couper has brought together leaders from the business and local government sectors to discuss a bold vision for the region’s economic future and the unified approach needed to achieve it.
Special guests Dr Sethi and Mr Matsui, Consular Generals of India and Japan, attended, alongside representatives from Northland Inc, Chamber of Commerce and local politicians interested in Northland’s emerging opportunities.
Mayor Ken Couper said the event was about more than presentations; it was about alignment, ambition and leadership.
“The private sector has shown us what confidence and collaboration can look like through the Look North initiative. Now, it’s our turn as civic leaders to match that ambition and work together to unlock Northland’s potential,” Mayor Couper said.
The Look North vision was developed by the Northland Corporate Group, which brings together some of the region’s leading businesses: Channel Infrastructure, Culham Engineering, Top Energy, Marsden Maritime Holdings, Northpower and McKay. It sets an aspirational goal: growing Northland into a $60 billion economy by 2050.
Mayor Couper said achieving this requires a unified approach across councils, iwi, Central Government, business and the community.
“We’re entering one of the most significant periods of infrastructure development in Northland’s recent history, with projects like the Northland Corridor expressway, a rail spur, a dry dock and a new Whangārei Hospital. These aren’t just engineering achievements; they’re economic enablers that will create jobs and opportunities for our people,” he said.
The Mayor also highlighted the responsibility of civic leaders to ensure the region is ready for growth.
“We need to make sure our planning and regulatory systems support growth, and our region is ready to welcome investment,” Mayor Couper said.
Mayor Couper also highlighted the role of senior local government staff, emphasising their critical role in shaping Northland’s future.
“Your work matters more than you realise. The decisions we make together will form the backbone of this region’s growth,” he said.
The event was about bringing people together and building a sense of momentum.
“Economic growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it requires collaboration and shared vision. Everyone has a part to play, and together we can achieve great outcomes for Whangārei and Northland,” Mayor Couper said.