23 June 2006

Showcasing creative concepts in Auckland

Auckland City is supporting the Concept06 design showcase as part of a commitment to celebrate and build the city's creative industries.

Concept06 is a design extravaganza presenting concepts that cover all disciplines, from graphic to marine, furniture to automotive, product and industrial design.

It is an opportunity for designers to display a uniquely kiwi approach to design and build on New Zealand's reputation for innovative and original work.

Councillor Richard Northey, chairperson of the Economic Development and Sustainable Development Committee, says the council is proud to support the design industry as an important economic and creative driver for the city.

"The Concept06 initiative provides an ideal opportunity to feature home-grown talent, highlight the design field and focus on creating industry and public awareness of work being generated in New Zealand - a key sub-sector of the creative industries sector that Auckland City is looking to develop."

Mr Northey says the creative industries employ more than 18,000 people in the region, 70 per cent of whom are based in Auckland city.

"We recognise that the creative industries are important to the overall economic and cultural development of Auckland city," said Mr Northey. "We work regularly with industry groups and organisations to support the sustainable development of creative industries in Auckland and to generate economic and community benefit."

Each year, Auckland City supports events that showcase the quality and achievement of New Zealand's creative talent and highlight the economic importance of creative industries.

The Concept06 showcase is open to the public on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June at the Old Alinghi base, Jellicoe St in the Viaduct Basin.

For more information: www.concept06.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media