BID boundary reduced1 min read

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Businesses in Onehunga voted in favour of reducing the size of the Business Improvement District (BID) area, following the results of a recent ballot.

A total of 1,125 voting documents were issued, with 313 returned – representing a 27.8% return rate, above the 25% minimum required for the result to be valid.

Of those who voted, 69.97% (219 businesses) supported the proposed reduction, while 30.03% (94 businesses) voted against it.

This means the proposal has achieved both the minimum turnout and the majority support needed to proceed with changes to the BID boundary.

This election marks the final chapter in a period of significant change for Business Onehunga. In March 2024, the BID underwent a major expansion, growing from around 450 businesses to more than 1,100. The expansion was strongly supported, with 72% of eligible voters in the proposed area voting in favour. Following approval from the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board, the expanded BID took effect on 1st July 2024, with a targeted rate of $1,000,000 to fund activities across the wider area.

However, in 2025, some businesses raised concerns about the scale and cost of the expansion. At a Special General Meeting in April 2025, members voted to reduce the BID’s targeted rate for 2025/26 from $1,000,000 down to $410,000 – even lower than the pre-expansion budget.

The local board endorsed this change, reflecting feedback from the business community. While the boundary remained expanded, the funding level was significantly scaled back. It has since been reduced further to $350,000.