Convention Centre for Auckland One Step Closer

PRESS RELEASE

Convention Centre for Auckland One Step Closer

The construction of an international standard convention centre in Auckland has taken a huge step forward after many years of campaigning.

Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key yesterday announced that the Government would invest $250,000 towards a scoping study examining all options for building a convention centre in Auckland.

This move has been applauded by Alan Trotter, Conventions and Incentives New Zealand CEO who, amongst other industry leaders has spent the last 20 years campaigning for the construction of a large scale convention centre in Auckland.

“Auckland has a sound infrastructure to support large scale conventions, but no convention venue to actually host the conventions themselves. A venue that will host 4,000 delegates is sorely needed and can’t be built soon enough,”Mr Trotter says. “Such a large international standard venue will benefit not only Auckland but the whole of New Zealand.”

Mr Trotter emphasises that the construction of an international standard convention centre in Auckland is not a luxury but a necessity. “New Zealand has a sound conference infrastructure right throughout the country and it’s imperative that we work to support this solid base by injecting money so infrastructure can continue to be improved for the future. Looking ahead the economy will improve and international conferencing will return – and with a vengeance - so New Zealand must be prepared for this growth and not left on the back foot.”

The Government endorsed feasibility study will investigate the development of a centre which can cater for up to 4,000 delegates. “New Zealand lacks a large scale conventions and exhibitions centre that is capable of attracting big international conferences. As a result, we may be missing out on thousands of high value visitors that could be interested in coming to New Zealand,” Mr Key said in a media statement after the Tourism Auckland update.

He added that here is no doubt that business visitors tend to be higher spenders than regular tourists and when they are in New Zealand on business they often tag on a holiday as well. Mr Key says that if the recommendations from the feasibility study are positive, he expects a detailed business case will be prepared and an establishment plan to develop a large international conference centre in Auckland.

Mr Trotter endorsed Mr Key’s comments by saying that not only do convention delegates spend a lot more than leisure visitors but they often extend their stay and visit other parts of New Zealand once business is over. “They also often return to the country with their family and friends, again injecting high end spend into the New Zealand economy.

“As we all know New Zealand has a lot to offer and one taste is all it takes to entice people back for more.”

The Auckland City Council announced that it will put a further $20,000 towards the feasibility study and contribute $30,000 for the business case.

ENDS

© Scoop Media