Auckland Set to Be Monopolised

AUCKLAND SET TO BE MONOPOLISED

New Zealanders will no longer need to “Pass Go” on the streets of London to collect $200 with the announcement today that Auckland city is to be immortalised with its very own official MONOPOLY board.

Not only can Aucklanders look forward to playing one of the world’s best loved game on iconic Auckland streets and landmarks, they can also have a say as to what hot properties will make it onto the first ever Auckland MONOPOLY board. Before any dice are rolled this editions game’s makers will be consulting locals to ascertain which landmarks of the ‘city of sails’ should be selected to swap places with the famous London locales.

At the Viaduct today, Auckland’s proudest resident, Mayor, Len Brown (pictured left) became one of the first to “like” the Auckland MONOPOLY Facebook page when it went live before giving his thoughts on what he’d like to see on the board.

Among the locations and landmarks he nominated as MONOPOLY worthy were “Auckland Art Gallery, Takapuna Beach, Titirangi Village, the Civic theatre and Waiheke Island.” He also shared his thoughts on transportation saying, “Britomart train station and the New Lynn Transport Interchange could do excellent service as the train stations on the board.”

While not wanting to pre-empt public opinion on what property may secure the prized blue Mayfair & Park Lane positions, the Mayor gave his tip for the top spots as “Dominion Road and One Tree Hill” adding, “They have already been immortalised in the songs of Don McGlashan and U2 respectively.”

Len Brown said a global city like Auckland deserved to be immortalised in one of the world’s most famous games stating, “Getting our own MONOPOLY board really represents Auckland’s coming of age as an international city. Our iconic natural landmarks and award winning buildings have long captured the imagination of Aucklanders and visitors alike.”
“I’d encourage everyone to have their say about which Auckland streets should replace those famous London names like Fleet Street and Pall Mall or The Strand. It’s great to have some streets and features that we can readily identify with here in New Zealand,” said Mayor Brown, adding, “Auckland MONOPOLY is also be a great way for young people and new Aucklanders to become aware of key Auckland landmarks and learn about their city”.

From today until May 24 MONOPOLY enthusiasts are invited to nominate Auckland properties via the Auckland MONOPOLY Facebook page or by emailing info@winningmoves.com.au. The most popular two places will then be given the prestigious dark blue Mayfair and Park Lane positions on the original London MONOPOLY board. There will also be lots of other twists and changes too, including Auckland themed ‘Community Chest’ and ‘Chance’ playing cards.

Winning Moves, manufacturers of the official Auckland version of MONOPOLY under license from Hasbro, says the game will be on shop shelves in time for this Christmas.

Winning Moves Commercial Director, Reid Herbert (pictured left with Mayor, Len Brown), says, “We are looking forward to receiving input from MONOPOLY fans far and wide so that we can ensure that Auckland MONOPOLY is a real reflection of all that we love about Auckland. The game will encompass greater Auckland and feature top spots and landmarks from Albany in the north to Manukau in the south.” He added, “The spirit and shape of this customised edition will remain the same as with the traditional game but now you will be able to buy and own your favourite Auckland landmark for MONOPOLY money.”

MONOPOLY first hit shop shelves in 1935 – and since then has been played by more than 500M people. Today it is played in 111 countries and enjoyed in 43 different languages. The new MONOPOLY: Auckland Edition will be available in leading toy retailers across New Zealand.
MONOPOLY © 1935, 2013 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.

ENDS

© Scoop Media