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18 Sep 2025, by Amy Sarcevic
When planning a major infrastructure development, it is crucial to win support from local businesses, many of whom will bear the brunt of noise, foot traffic and trade disruptions.
When businesses aren’t on board, projects can experience hurdles, delays, and extra costs. When they are, businesses impacted by the construction could support and even advocate for your project when engaging the broader community.
Stacey van der Putten, Director Public Transport and Active Modes at Auckland Transport, knows this all too well and is taking innovative measures to engage businesses, ahead of some major new works.
In recent years, billions has been invested on rail infrastructure – and with millions more in the pipeline – metro dwellers are set to experience further disruption, as their new cities take shape.
“Our businesses and communities have been really patient while we scale up our rail networks here in Auckland,” she said.
“We are thankful of how supportive everyone has been so far, but we still have a way to go, and we can’t afford to get complacent. It’s crucial we keep everyone engaged and on board with our direction.”
Dedicated approach
To ensure their engagement efforts are on the right track, Stacey and colleagues have been engaging with business associations, through a dedicated approach that treats them as key stakeholders.
“We are hearing from Associations about how isolating it can be when businesses feel like they’re not heard, or when public services are concentrated on the customer and they feel like they’re a step removed, because they’re not necessarily part of that customer approach,” she said.
Understanding concerns
Much of Stacey’s approach has been around active listening, making connections and information sharing.
“Information sharing is huge,” she said. “It’s about sharing as much as you can, as often as you can. Holding regular forums and taking the time to understand concerns.”
In doing this, some surprising fears have come to light.
“In general, businesses recognise the benefits that new infrastructure will bring, but some are concerned about the increased risk of retail crime that high-speed transport networks will bring – which is not necessarily something you would think of immediately when mobilising a big change.
“It’s a risk because you’re bringing in a lot of people with fast movements. On the whole, this is great because you’re making it more accessible, but on the flip side, you’re having to keep a closer a watch and work together to understand behaviours.”
Shared vision
Concerns aside, Stacey says engaging businesses is generally a positive experience, with both parties sharing a common vision.
“We are both about increasing patronage. That’s our goal, and if we keep our eyes on that prize, we can work more smoothly together to achieve it.”
When businesses accept the disruptions necessary to achieve this goal, Stacey said they can join the operator’s team and become advocates for the project.
“Getting more advocates to talk about public transport in a positive light is more powerful than us saying things”
“If you want investment and you want development, you’ve got to create a wide and influential network – and who better to have on your team than a collection of local businesses.”
Further insight
Stimulating further discussion on this topic, Stacey van der Putten will moderate an expert panel at this year’s New Zealand Rail Conference, held 22-23 October 2025.
Joining her on the stage are Mark Knoff-Thomas, CEO, Newmarket Business Association; Viv Beck, Chief Executive, Heart of the City; and Rupert Hodson, Executive Director, Committee for Auckland.
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