As a result, the City did not develop a strong industrial base, particularly in terms of heavy manufacturing. While in the past this was seen as a disadvantage to the City it is now seen as a benefit, particularly in terms of achieving sustainable, economic development . It also meant that the impacts of the dramatic economic restructuring undertaken in the late 1980s and early 1990s were not so strongly felt in Waitakere City. The City is well placed to cultivate its clean green image, and has established strengths in leisure, recreation, arts and culture. Waitakere City has a varied business base, with nearly half of businesses being in the wholesale and retail trades, restaurants and hotels and construction sectors.
Manufacturing is also important to the city's economy.
Sustainable Economic Development Labour, Income, and Employment Home Ownership Retail Sector Manufacturing Orcharding, Horticulture and Vitaculture Tourism Sustainable E conomic Development Sustainable economic development is a key feature of becoming an eco-city . More Waitakere City residents work in Auckland City than in Waitakere City. Three quarters of these people lived in Waitakere City, the rest coming mostly from Auckland City. Waitakere is a community of low to middle income households, with few households in the high income bracket. This is slightly lower than the New Zealand average.