How WERKITS Has Helped Auckland Businesses Navigate the City Rail Link Disruption
Te Waihorotiu Station
This new 15m-deep 300m long underground station in Auckland’s midtown is expected to be the country’s busiest train station. The station has entrances on Victoria and Wellesley Streets.
The City Rail Link (CRL) is one of the largest infrastructure projects in New Zealand’s history - a transformational investment that will reshape how people move through Tāmaki Makaurau for decades to come. Once complete, the CRL will improve access across Auckland, increase rail capacity, and help create a more connected, vibrant city centre.
But while the long-term vision is exciting, the construction journey has not been easy for many local businesses.
From reduced foot traffic and changing pedestrian access to construction noise, road closures, and uncertainty, businesses across the Midtown and Karangahape precincts have faced years of disruption while trying to keep their doors open and their teams employed.
That’s where WERKITS stepped in.
Supporting Businesses Through Uncertainty
Through partnerships with Link Alliance, Auckland Council, Heart of the City, and the Karangahape Road Business Association, WERKITS has played a key role in delivering practical, people-first support to businesses impacted by CRL construction.
The goal has never been just about helping businesses “survive” disruption. It’s been about helping them adapt, stay visible, build resilience, and identify opportunities for long-term growth - even during challenging conditions.
As part of the Small Business Support Programme (SBSP), WERKITS has worked directly alongside business owners to provide:
Complimentary business advisory support
Grant guidance and facilitation
Marketing and visibility initiatives
Supplier and stakeholder coordination
Strategic mentoring and practical problem solving
Connections to trusted professional networks and services
A Human-Centred Approach
One of the biggest challenges during prolonged infrastructure projects is that business owners often feel overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure where to turn.
WERKITS approaches business support differently.
Rather than offering one-size-fits-all advice, the focus has been on understanding the unique pressures each business is facing and creating tailored support that is practical, accessible, and achievable.
For some businesses, that meant improving street visibility with signage and promotions. For others, it meant helping diversify revenue streams through digital marketing, online sales, or operational improvements. In many cases, it simply meant having someone in their corner to help navigate difficult decisions and reduce stress during uncertain periods.
Helping Businesses Stay Visible During Construction
One of the most significant impacts of CRL construction has been reduced visibility and changing customer behaviour.
Construction hoardings, detours, and access changes can make it difficult for customers to know whether businesses are still open - even when they are operating as usual.
WERKITS has worked closely with affected businesses and project partners to help improve visibility through local campaigns, promotional activity, wayfinding support, and activation initiatives designed to encourage people back into these areas.
The work has focused on helping businesses remain connected to their communities while maintaining customer confidence throughout the disruption.
Building Long-Term Resilience
Infrastructure disruption can expose weaknesses in a business model - but it can also create an opportunity to evolve.
Many businesses supported through the programme have used this period to rethink operations, strengthen their brand presence, improve customer engagement, and invest in more sustainable ways of operating.
The support delivered by WERKITS has helped businesses not only respond to immediate challenges, but also position themselves for the future city centre that CRL will help create.
More Than a Project
At its core, the work has always been about people.
Behind every storefront is a business owner, a team, a family, and a livelihood. Supporting these businesses through disruption requires empathy, trust, clear communication, and practical action - not just process.
That philosophy sits at the centre of everything WERKITS does.
As Auckland moves closer to the completion of the City Rail Link, the businesses that have endured years of disruption deserve recognition for their resilience, adaptability, and commitment to keeping our city centre vibrant throughout the journey.
And WERKITS is proud to have stood alongside them every step of the way.
For more information about WERKITS and our Business Support Programmes, Contact Us.