Like a nasty cold sore that comes back just when you think it might have gone away, so the claims that Alexandra’s economic development is being somehow held back are unfortunately doing the rounds again.

I first heard this when Linda and I opened a wine shop in Alexandra around 2003 and it has popped up from time to time since then.

So, is Alexandra’s economic development being held back? 

The short answer is “no”, and some pretty simple research shows that.

I looked at the Stats NZ figures for a number of towns around Otago/Southland and then further afield across the South Island to look at population growth in Alexandra, which I’d say is a fair indicator of economic growth.  

I didn’t go looking for examples to suit any particular narrative, but here’s what I found:

 Using population growth as an indicator, Alexandra is doing far better than most other towns in the South Island. Sure, Cromwell’s candle is burning more brightly but it is the fastest growing town in New Zealand and it going well does not mean Alexandra’s candle isn’t burning well too. 

Aside from population growth as an indicator, people who believe Alexandra isn’t growing need to have a look at the amount of commercial building that has happened in the town in the last five years or so, including massive builds such as Placemakers, Toyota, Countdown and a number of other smaller commercial projects.

Going back to the wine shop; I remember being quite worried about the decision to go into that business when I heard these rumours, but by then I was already committed. What if I hadn’t signed the lease when I heard them? Would I have gone forward? What if I was someone today from out of town looking at starting a business and heard this stuff about Alexandra?  

My concern is the very real risk that these rumours promoted by some could create the very thing they claim to be concerned about.