includes Henderson/Massey/Waitakere/Upper Harbour/Rodney/Kumeu
From the mid-19th century, bush felling and kauri logging opened Henderson, Massey and Waitākere valleys for farming; by the early 1900s Dalmatian families had established vineyards at Henderson/Oratia and Kumeu, making West Auckland the centre of New Zealand’s wine industry. Townships such as Henderson and Kumeu grew around rail and road routes, while Rodney’s rural settlements spread across fertile dairying and horticultural land.
Today, the Henderson, Massey region generates around NZ$5.7 billion in GDP, with over 43,000 jobs and about 15,000 businesses, mainly in manufacturing, logistics, construction, retail and local services.
Rodney remains relatively prosperous and one of Auckland’s fastest-growing areas, its population forecast to rise from 76,700 (2021) to about 135,800 by 2048, driven by lifestyle migration and greenfield development.
Major employment sectors in Upper Harbour include wholesale trade, professional/scientific/technical services, construction, retail, and real estate services.
Overall, the wider region benefits from population growth, skilled labour, and a diversified economy — with room for entrepreneurial and small-business growth: Upper Harbour had 12,453 business units in 2021, growing at ~4.0% annually (faster than regional average).
Based on the economic landscape, these sectors and business types stand out for potential growth in the likes of Logistics, warehousing, light manufacturing & wholesale trade, given the existing industrial base and access to transport corridors.
Professional services, consulting, tech / knowledge-intensive services, especially in well-educated zones like Upper Harbour.
Construction, property development and real-estate services, driven by population growth and housing demand in growth areas like Rodney and Upper Harbour.
Retail, specialty stores, and local commerce in expanding suburban zones, as residential growth continues, demand for services and retail rises.
Agri-horticulture, viticulture and agritech in semi-rural fringes (e.g. around Kumeū and Rodney), historically strong in horticulture / vineyards, and supported by growth in demand for fresh produce
This region offers significant opportunities in SME services, food and beverage (wine/horticulture), light industry, warehousing, construction and tourism linked to the Waitākere Ranges and coastal Rodney. Key themes are growth management, skills development, iwi partnership with Te Kawerau ā Maki, and leveraging relatively affordable land and strong transport corridors while planning for infrastructure and environmental constraints.
What We Do
We help our local SMEs to:
- Build stronger, sustainable and more profitable business models
- Create strong system and process within the business
- Improve cashflow, margins and long-term profits
- Develop teams that perform with drive and purpose
- Plan for growth, succession, and/or exit
Why Work With Prime Strategies Group?
You don’t need a buddy, you need a guide, a business friend and guiding partner not just theory – accountability, planning and process.
Our Auckland North team are all hands-on business realistic reliable people who’ve built, grown, and led companies themselves. We bring real-world experience, real time, realistic strength of purpose right to your door.
We understand:
- The numbers
- The people and their roles
- The focus required
- Help you make better more focused decisions
- Regain control and confidence as a business owner
Local Insight, National Strength
With Prime Strategies’ national network behind you and your business we have expertise that is designed to help you, no nonsense, no unrealistic dreams, no bull, just simple strategic guidance with care and attention for you and your business.
We’re proud to support New Zealand business. For Kiwis by Kiwis
Let’s Talk
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, let’s start with a coffee and a quiet chat.
We’ll sit down, get a good understanding of your needs and dreams and build a plan to get you there.