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Establishing a BID

How to establish a BID in your area.

Interested parties need to show that there is enough support from the community to operate a BID.

Before it can be set up, a legal entity to administer the BID must be established and registered. In many cases an incorporated society structure is used.

The Council will not set a rate without evidence that the BID Association has been legally constituted and a constitution has been developed in consultation with the community. The Council should be consulted on the BID Association’s constitution before registration.

Contact our BID team for guidance on establishing or managing a BID wellingtonbid@wcc.govt.nz

Steps to establish a bid

  1. Check there is interest within the business community (more than 25% support).
  2. Confirm the business district boundaries where the targeted rate would apply.
  3. Develop a business plan outlining the proposed activities that will be funded by the targeted rate and which comply with BID policy.
  4. Agree the level of targeted rate required to support the BID budget and the basis for its collection.
  5. Agree a constitution and establish a legal entity to administer the BID. The Council should be consulted on the constitution.
  6. Develop a voting register of eligible businesses within the district.
  7. Undertake full consultation on the targeted rate and the planned activities and complete an establishment vote with a majority vote supporting the BID.
  8. Undertake an initial AGM, adopting the constitution, appointing board members and officers and approving the business plan.
  9. Apply to the Council for a targeted rate, with the following supporting documents:
    evidence of a mandate from voters
    a business plan which is aligned with Council priorities
    an approved constitution for the entity.
  10. Gain approval of the targeted rate for the BID in the Council Annual Plan process.
    Note: that the previous steps need to be completed in sufficient time so that steps 9 and 10 can be completed to meet the Annual Plan timelines. This would be expected to be submitted to the Council before November of any year to be included in the following year’s Annual Plan process

Key Success Factors

  • Strong governance and leadership
  • Clear strategic planning aligned with council and community goals
  • Consistent communication with members and stakeholders
  • Measurable outcomes to demonstrate value
  • Community and council collaboration to support joint initiatives

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