including Howick, Manukau East, Otara and Otahuhu East
South-east Auckland is now one of the most culturally diverse and youthful parts of Aotearoa. Manukau East, Ōtara-Papatoetoe, and surrounding communities have high proportions of Māori and Pacific peoples, a growing migrant population, and a large workforce concentrated in industrial, transport, retail, hospitality and essential services. However, household incomes remain below the Auckland average. A smaller share of residents works in high-skill or high-income sectors, and rates of business ownership are lower than in many other parts of the city.
Economically, Auckland remains New Zealand’s engine, and this region contributes strongly through logistics, warehousing, wholesale trade, manufacturing and retail. Population growth provides a steady demand base, particularly for affordable housing, consumer services and public infrastructure.
2026 Outlook and Business-Advisory Implications
Economic activity in 2026 is expected to show steady but modest growth (approximately 1–2%). As Auckland stabilises following recent headwinds, logistics, delivery networks, warehousing and consumer-driven sectors are likely to expand. Construction and housing-related services will continue as a core need, driven by intensification and large social-housing programmes. A shift toward healthcare, aged care and community wellbeing services will emerge as demographics change and health access demand increases.
Business opportunities include supporting:
- Last-mile logistics and micro-warehousing close to SH1 and East Tāmaki
- Construction and trades businesses enabling urban development and retrofits
- Culturally tailored healthcare and social services
- Youth training and employment pathways, particularly in trades and logistics
- Ethnic food manufacturing and hospitality, leveraging cultural diversity and distribution networks
With targeted support for skills, entrepreneurship and local ownership, South-East Auckland can convert its demographic strengths into long-term economic resilience and inclusive growth.
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 Northland and Auckland regional teams 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.
