Indoor arena and convention centre both urgently needed for Auckland

Tourism Auckland has endorsed Auckland City Council's proposal to develop an indoor arena at Quay Park in downtown Auckland, but says that an internationally competitive convention and exhibition centre is also urgently required.

Chief Executive Graeme Osborne says Tourism Auckland's board is seeking support from the Auckland City Council for a new convention and exhibition centre - either stand-alone or co-located with other facilities in the central business district.

"The Auckland region needs both an indoor arena, as per the Auckland City Council's current draft annual plan, as well as a new convention centre as a matter of urgency," says Mr Osborne.

Auckland is missing out on the economic spin-offs of large events because of the lack of suitable venues, says Mr Osborne. "New Zealand's largest city lacks the capacity to stage an international netball test or the country's annual tourism trade show," he says. "An indoor arena is a vital element in our tourism infrastructure, allowing us to open up new markets."

"The wider tourism industry also agrees that the lack of an international standard convention and exhibition centre in New Zealand is an obstacle to increased economic development," says Mr Osborne.

The council recently invited submissions on its current draft annual plan and the proposal to develop a 10,000 to 12,000-seat indoor arena at Quay Park.

ENDS

About Tourism Auckland Tourism Auckland's mission is to develop sustainable economic growth in tourism for the Auckland region through integrated marketing and industry development. It is funded by grants from all seven local authorities in the Auckland region and it operates six visitor information centres. Tourism Auckland's areas of expertise include international trade, conventions and incentives, events marketing and communications.

For further information please contact: Rochelle Lockley Communications Director Tourism Auckland Ph: (09) 979 7031 Mobile: (021) 979 7031 Email: lockley@aucklandnz.com

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