The BID with 6 points of difference The unique North West Country business improvement district is Auckland’s most widespread BID – covering six different townships spanning 40km. The townships are Kumeu-Huapai, Helensville, Waimauku, Parakai, Kaukapakapa and Riverhead. Northwest District (SH16) Business Association was formed in 2014 with the aim of establishing a business improvement district. With strong support from the progressive Rodney Local Board, that objective was achieved later that year - becoming Auckland’s 48th (and most recent) BID. Managed by Gary Holmes and his team at Campaignz, the BID has provided a unified voice to promote the fast-growing region, and provide visitors with a central hub for information. Governance reflects the geography of the BID – and the importance of Mana Whenua. The 13-member committee is chaired by Kumeu-based Tony Forlong and includes representatives from each township, Rodney Local Board’s Deputy Chair Phelan Pirrie and – in yet another point of difference - an iwi (Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara) representative in Malcolm Patterson. Dubbed “Auckland's playground for discovery, culture, creativity, adventure, fine food and wine,” North West Country held its inaugural – and well attended - Wine, Beer and Food Festival earlier this year. Kiwi music icon Dave Dobbyn was among the entertainers at the event held at Waimauku’s Hunting Lodge. In another first for the BID, North West Country is holding its inaugural (2017) Business Awards this month (May). Open to any business operating within the business association’s greater boundaries, the Awards seek to “profile greater north-west Auckland businesses that have demonstrated innovation and excellence while at the same time celebrating their success and promoting that to the wider Auckland region”. Finalists have been announced in eight different categories and online voting is underway. The “People’s Choice” and “Supreme” awards will also be presented at the awards ceremony to be held on May 2nd in Riverhead. For more, visit http://www.northwestcountry.co.nz/ .