Auckland set to capitalise on America’s Cup

Media release

6 May 2013

Auckland set to capitalise on America’s Cup

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) is finalising a comprehensive programme to generate export growth, overseas investment, conference business and tourism off the back of the America’s Cup in San Francisco.

ATEED in partnership with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise will use the July-to-September event to showcase Auckland and New Zealand’s most innovative companies, forge new business relationships, host established contacts and brokering deals.

ATEED chief executive Brett O’Riley says the programme, at the eye-catching Waka Maori venue – part of Emirates Team New Zealand’s San Francisco base and nearing completion – will build a crucial economic legacy.

“We want to see Grant Dalton and Emirates Team New Zealand win on the water while we create economic wins for New Zealand and Auckland off the water,” says Brett O’Riley.

“The America’s Cup and its global audience provides unique showcasing and opportunities for key Auckland industry sectors which will drive the region’s export-led economic growth and international tourism,” says Brett O’Riley.

ATEED will focus on key growth sectors including marine, information and communications technology (ICT), food and beverage, health technology, conference hosting and luxury tourism at San Francisco.

“Auckland plans to become an innovation hub of the Asia-Pacific region, and San Francisco is a great place to showcase the region’s new projects such as the Wynyard Quarter Innovation Precinct,” says Brett O’Riley.

ATEED’s investment in the ‘NZ Inc’ project is likely to be about $850,000 – including funding towards Waka Maori’s establishment as the showcasing venue on the San Francisco waterfront and the Auckland business promotional programme.

“We are pleased to directly support Emirates Team New Zealand. Auckland is the spiritual home of the America’s Cup in New Zealand, and it is fitting for ATEED – on behalf of Auckland Council – to back the 2013 challenge directly,” says Brett O’Riley.

“We were delighted that Waka Maori’s owner, the successful Auckland iwi business Ngati Whatua o Orakei, gave its blessing for the waka to reprise its Rugby World Cup 2011 role as a unique and memorable business venue. This will be excellent exposure for a great Auckland iwi business success story.”

Auckland Mayor Len Brown says: “This will be a major opportunity to connect with investors in sectors which are at the heart of our Economic Development Strategy, in particular technology.

“San Francisco and the Silicon Valley have been identified as target areas for Auckland firms expanding into global technology markets. I hope the America’s Cup events will create opportunities for Auckland firms to get a foothold in this market and benefit from American expertise.”

ENDS

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