Business Improvement District (BID)

A partnership between Wellington City Council and local area business centres in Wellington.

A basket of daffodils on a red bike in front of a busy cafe.

Business Improvement District (BID) partnerships

A BID is a partnership between the Council and a business community defined by a local area. A BID works to develop projects and services that benefit the trading environment and which align with the Council’s objectives. BIDs bring local businesses and other stakeholders together to improve the strength of our local communities creating sociable, safe, accessible destinations supporting local businesses.

BIDs provide a strong response to local needs and priorities. They are driven by a partnership of local champions who understand their communities and have a passion for their local business district.

Current BIDs

There are currently five BIDs in Wellington: Karori, Khandallah, Kilbirnie, Miramar and Tawa. These BIDs represent over 304 businesses, with a combined capital value estimated at $475m (June 2018) and have contributed 15% of Total Wellington Retail Sales.

BID funding

A BID is supported by pooling funds through a targeted rate, levied on and collected by the Council from non-residential properties within the defined local area. The Council makes these funds available to the BID Associations to use on activities that promote economic growth in their area

BID benefits

The benefits of BIDs are wide-ranging and include:

  • businesses decide and direct what they want in their area
  • businesses are represented and have a voice in issues affecting their trading area
  • BID levy money is ring-fenced for use in the BID area
  • increased footfall and spend in the area
  • improved staff retention for businesses
  • enhanced marketing and promotion
  • guidance in place shaping vision activities
  • facilitated networking opportunities with neighbouring businesses
  • assistance in dealing with the Council, Police and other public bodies.

BID Policy

The BID Policy provides guidance for prospective BIDs and describes the Council’s role. The Council is required to approve any BID and collect the associated targeted rates.

BID Policy

Start a BID

The Council is keen to develop more successful business districts in Wellington. We encourage anyone interested in setting up a BID in their area, to get in touch and talk with us more on how we can help areas make the most of their development potential to help boost local economic prosperity.

Business Improvement District Summit

Wellington’s BID and potential BID Associations came together on July 5 to share insights on making our urban centres even better for communities, traders and property owners.

Table of attendees at the Business Improvement District Summit.
Table of attendees at the Business Improvement District Summit.
Table of attendees at the Business Improvement District Summit.
Tables of attendees at the Business Improvement District Summit.
Table of attendees at the Business Improvement District Summit.
Talk at the Business Improvement District Summit.
Table discussion with representatives from Island Bay, Berhampore and Newtown.
Parking Policy Review presentation by Senior Policy Advisor, Helen Bolton.
Teva Stewart from Commonsense Organics and Jamie Williams fro Kapura, participating in a panel discussion.
Natalia Cleland from Downtown Community Ministry with a microphone.
Khandallah and Johnsonville BID representatives sit around a table chatting.
 

More information

For more information about forming a BID, email: wellingtonbid@wcc.govt.nz

Related links