Events strategy now puts ball in public's court

Newmarket Business Association

28 September 2005

Events strategy now puts ball in the public's court

The Newmarket Business Association is delighted with the Auckland City Council's events strategy to be launched by the Mayor tonight, but warns it will only work if Aucklanders get in behind it.

"As a document the strategy is to be celebrated, but it won't be worth the paper it's written on if some Aucklanders continue to bury their heads in the sand," said Cameron Brewer, General Manager of the Newmarket Business Association.

"Auckland's 16 town centres each want to be happening places. We don't want too many roadblocks and so we're pleased the Auckland City Council is now focused on becoming a more event-friendly organisation. However nothing will happen if some Aucklanders continue to be so inflexible."

"If we were all really focused on the big picture Eden Park would be hosting more night-time gigs, the V8 supercar race would be a central city event, and Western Springs speedway wouldn't have to creep around on eggshells. The sad reality is Auckland is the natural habitat of NIMBYs, but we need to get over ourselves if only to secure our city an international future."

With the Auckland Regional Growth Strategy aimed at residential intensification in the coming years, Mr Brewer said the masses moving into inner-city apartments need to come with an open mind.

"We are all for positive intensification in areas like Newmarket, but apartment buyers need to know from the outset that inner city events will occasionally impact on inner city living.

"Given you don't move to the countryside if you like the urban hustle and bustle, we simply say to people wanting to come to exciting growth centres like Newmarket: 'Don't move in if you are after the quiet life' and we're pleased the council is now on the same page."

The Newmarket Business Association fully supports the council's goal to be more pragmatic when it comes to organising events, its desire to secure signature events, and its aim to develop venues and outdoor spaces for large events.

"It's great the council has taken the leadership and is keen to demonstrate a 'can do' attitude. It's now completely over to each and every Aucklander to prove that we are indeed an outwardly-looking vibrant and international city," said Mr Brewer.

ENDS

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