Media release
26 June 2015

Auckland champion announced

Sir Bob Harvey has been named as Champion for Auckland - Overseas Investment.

The former Waitakere Mayor and Waterfront Auckland Chair will work closely with the Auckland Investment Office and council agencies.

Sir Bob’s role is to be a champion for Auckland internationally, responsible for facilitating international investment opportunities and leading the council’s bid for the Lee Kuan Yew World Cities Prize.

During his tenure at Waterfront Auckland, Sir Bob played a key role in securing close to $1 billion of private investment into the area including one of the largest foreign investments in New Zealand – a $200 million investment by Beijing-based Fu Wah International Group in a five-star signature hotel to be built in the council owned Wynyard Quarter.

Sir Bob also oversaw $120m of capital expenditure on the waterfront prior to the 2011 Rugby World Cup which included the first stages of revitalising Wynyard Quarter and the re-opening of Queens Wharf to the public.

The Mayor of Waitakere for 18 years until the formation of Auckland Council in 2010, Sir Bob championed what is now a flourishing film industry based in west Auckland and forged substantial links with the US, Japan and China.
He has also been Deputy Chairman of the New Zealand Film Commission and Spark Foundation and served on the boards of Te Papa and the Aotea Centre Trust.

In his new role, Sir Bob will also support Mayor Len Brown in building the Tripartite Economic Alliance between Auckland, Los Angeles and Guangzhou.

The mayor has welcomed the appointment saying Sir Bob brings decades of experience and expertise and a wealth of knowledge that will be invaluable to the city.

“As New Zealand’s engine room and the gateway to the rest of New Zealand, Auckland needs to work hard to attract and maintain international investment to provide jobs and economic growth,” says Len Brown.

Sir Bob takes up his new role in July and says he is excited about adding value to the council, its agencies and Auckland.

“I am a passionate Aucklander and am looking forward to taking leadership on this initiative which is in Auckland’s best interests,” he says. “I am pleased Mayor Len and the council has put their trust in me to deliver and deliver I will. Watch this space.”

ENDS

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