Building resilience together
Forging a community of BID managers during Covid-19
The early days of 2020 brought unprecedented uncertainty, particularly for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and the communities they serve. As the Covid-19 pandemic took hold, it quickly became clear that the traditional avenues for BID managers to connect and share insights – predominantly through Auckland Council-hosted meetings – were no longer viable. The sudden shift to remote work and the intense pressure on local businesses created an urgent need for a new kind of support network.
Recognising this critical gap, and with no one else stepping forward, we took the initiative in May 2020 to create a regular, dedicated forum for BID managers and their representatives. The goal was clear: to foster a community where shared experiences, recent challenges, and mutual support could be openly discussed at a time when it was most needed.
From local need to national network
The group began by reaching out to the Auckland Council team, establishing a Microsoft 365 group to connect managers across the Auckland region. The idea quickly gained traction. As word spread, colleagues from BIDs around the country heard about our nascent community and joined, eager for connection and shared learning. What started as an Auckland-centric initiative soon blossomed into a vital national network of over 60 BID managers.
For the first 18 months, this burgeoning group met weekly via Zoom, with Onehunga coordinating these crucial sessions. Our meetings were dynamic and responsive to the evolving crisis. We frequently welcomed guest speakers from various organisations who provided timely updates on policy changes, funding opportunities, and their decision-making processes impacting businesses. In other sessions, the focus was entirely internal – an open Q&A forum where managers could candidly share their on-the-ground experiences, seek advice, and offer support to peers facing similar challenges.
The power of connection in crisis
At a time of such profound uncertainty and rapid change, this connection was nothing short of vital. The community we built allowed us to learn so much from each other's diverse experiences across different regions. We navigated unprecedented challenges together, sharing strategies for supporting local businesses through lockdowns, adapting communication channels, and advocating for our communities.
This initiative truly showcased the power of proactive leadership in creating a supportive, informed, and resilient network when it's needed most. It underscored the profound value of shared understanding and collaborative problem-solving, turning a period of isolation into an opportunity for impactful collective growth.
