Chinese Businesses and the transformation of Auckland

One of the major findings of this report is the extent to which these businesses rely on the Chinese community. The research shows that Chinese business owners depend extensively on other Chinese for employees, suppliers and customers. This is related to a lack of local networks, including business networks, and English language difficulties.

But local Chinese businesses have also adapted to the influx of Chinese immigrants. Overseas Chinese contacts are considered important for business owners. Business owners make regular personal visits to maintain their relationships with overseas business contacts, especially in China. Even though the customers might be here in New Zealand, these business owners are very reliant on these international connections for supplies or ideas. They differ from many other New Zealand businesses in this regard. Chinese business owners often expressed frustration in dealing with some host institutions (e.g. local banks) or with the lack of interaction with non-Chinese businesses. It appears that many local institutions have yet to realise the importance of Chinese business development.

Another important dimension of Chinese business activity is the way in which it is concentrated in particular locations in Auckland. These ‘ethnic precincts’, or the concentrations of small and medium-sized Chinese businesses in certain locations, have emerged rapidly in the past decade. This has been fuelled by the growth in the Chinese community, especially those who have arrived from China since 2000. Examples include Dominion Road in Auckland City, Northcote in North Shore City and Meadowlands in Manukau City. Such developments are now an important aspect of the retail landscape of Auckland.

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Last updated: 21 August 2009
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