Birkenhead’s small businesses are the heart of our community,  they work tirelessly, take big risks, and contribute to the unique character of our village. But too many are struggling to survive. 

The Birkenhead Business Association is part of Auckland Council’s Business Improvement District (BID) Programme, which aims to help local business areas thrive. Funding comes from a targeted rate paid by commercial property owners through council rates, costs that are passed on to tenants and ultimately customers. In return, the BID is expected to deliver, strategy, leadership, projects, marketing, events, and advocacy that benefit all local businesses. 

The Birkenhead Business Association (BID), the Kaipātiki Local Board, and Auckland Council are supposed to support, promote, and protect our business community. Instead, under their watch, Highbury has become tired, disconnected, and overlooked while opportunities slip away. 

From neglected infrastructure to poor communication, ineffective marketing, and missed chances to attract visitors and investment, the current approach is failing local business owners who already operate on razor-thin margins. 

Some of the concerns raised by local owners include: 

Lack of meaningful support from the BID, despite all businesses being required to fund it. 
Short-sighted “events” that fail to bring lasting benefits, most if not all, even taking trade away from locals. 
Neglected streetscape and poor presentation sending the wrong message to visitors. 
Missed opportunities to promote Highbury as a destination on the North Shore. 
No clear long-term vision or action plan for making Highbury a vibrant, attractive centre. Businesses want a shared roadmap that sets measurable goals for the next 5–10 years 

Our leaders have a duty to deliver measurable improvements, engage with all businesses equally, and be transparent about how funds are used. 
We call on the Birkenhead Business Association, Kaipātiki Local Board, and Auckland Council to: 

Be Transparent – Publish clear, accessible information on BID funding, spending, and measurable outcomes.

Engage Every Business – Visit every tenant, sub-tenant, and landlord to understand their needs and explain how the BID can support them.

 Improve the Streetscape – Maintain and enhance public spaces, enforce storefront presentation standards, and ensure rubbish is managed professionally.

Market Birkenhead Properly – Position Highbury as a destination within the wider “North Shore lifestyle” and run campaigns that drive sustained visitor growth.

Provide Real Business Support – Offer free, regular education and networking events to help local businesses grow and thrive.

Be Accountable – Commit to regular public reporting, open forums, and measurable goals that the community can track. 

Birkenhead deserves leadership that is capable, connected, and committed, leadership that works with small businesses instead of talking at them. 

Please Sign this petition to demand urgent action. 

 Let’s restore pride, prosperity, and purpose to our village before more of our businesses close their doors for good.