Auckland set to take centre stage
NEW ZEALAND j
“ For many, it’ s a bucket list destination so attending a conference gives them a great reason to visit.”
So, from the UK, for example, you can expect to buckle up for around 27 hours – but it’ ll most certainly be worth the ride.
From here, you’ ll need to give some consideration to the boss’ s ongoing travel. Domestic airlines cover the main hubs, as well as servicing smaller towns, while the inter-island ferries are a cheaper option( and arguably more scenic). Public transport is also available however, depending what your exec is used to, they may find it a little lacking.
Despite the low density of people( the population is about 4.7million – similar to that of Greater Boston in the US and just over half the total people in London), the road network is extensive and often the only way to reach some rural areas. Car hire is commonly available so do remind the boss to pack their drivers’ license.
You may also like to warn them that, due to the high volume of single-lane highways and picturesque yet slow winding country roads, they should allow extra time for any self-driven journeys.
Ongoing investment The country is undergoing significant development; nowhere more so than on South Island’ s Christchurch. After a devastating earthquake it’ s bouncing back even bigger and better.
Caroline Blanchfield, industry partnership manager – tourism for ChristchurchNZ, explains:“ The earthquake of 2011 saw us faced with rebuilding an entire central city. This has provided us with the opportunity to build a truly 21st century city
Image: Gisborne City © Ray Sheldrake
with thought around how we rebuilt our infrastructure and where that infrastructure is located.
“ Our city is the perfect destination for a corporate meeting. We offer a city with an exciting future and bold ambition; a destination with low transport costs for conference organisers due to the small core of the city and a gateway to the beautiful South Island.” For a small country, New Zealand sure knows how to pull in the punters. S
EXPLORE
Auckland set to take centre stage
Christchurch isn’ t the only area currently seeing investment, with the development of the New Zealand International Convention Centre( NZICC) in the centre of Auckland. The city is known for being New Zealand’ s economic powerhouse, securing 38 per cent of the nation’ s GDP – and its star is about to shine ever more brightly.
The building – located on the country’ s North Island – is set to complete next year and will be five times larger than the current biggest convention facilities in New Zealand. The NZICC will be capable of hosting conferences of around 3,000 delegates and one-off events for up to 4,000 guests with space including 35 meeting areas and a 2,850-seat theatre.
“ Auckland’ s increasing infrastructure, more frequent flight paths, and now the 4,000-person capacity of the NZICC means that the perceived barriers for larger scale business events coming to New Zealand are now gone,” says Callum Mallett, general manager of operations at NZICC.
36 Chief of Staff | April / May 2018