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Media releases 2008
Auckland is out to secure the all important Opening Match and Opening Ceremony for Rugby World Cup 2011
The region will bid for the Opening Match in a proposal to be submitted to Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd today. The proposal is Auckland’s response to phase two of RNZ 2011’s Match and Team Allocation process which will determine pool matches and team hosting rights.
Auckland bid spokesman Michael Barnett says while the region is already confirmed as host of the Final, semi-finals and Bronze Final, hosting teams and additional matches throughout the tournament in Auckland will be an important part of delivering on the ‘stadium of 4 million’.
"That starts from day one. The eyes of the world will be on the Opening Match and Opening Ceremony so the opportunity to showcase Auckland and New Zealand through these events is stunning." Mr Barnett says Auckland is likely to face some strong competition for the Opening Match and Opening Ceremony.
"We have worked collaboratively to put together a compelling proposal to host the Opening Match. If we are successful, we propose to support the opening match with an opening ceremony that will be both a national event and a significant global broadcast opportunity."
The proposed opening ceremony will take the Tournament beyond the confines of a rugby stadium and ensure that the whole of the Auckland region and the country is part of the event. Mr Barnett says Auckland is fully supportive of Rugby New Zealand’s goal to deliver a stadium of four million for Rugby World Cup 2011 but says it is important not to lose sight of the fact that 1.4 million New Zealanders live in Auckland.
"The vision of a stadium of four million will gain the greatest momentum by harnessing Auckland’s population together with the sheer scale of the region’s resources," Mr Barnett says. "Auckland has put together a strong case for its fair share of pool matches and team bases."
With a third of the country’s population, the region is aiming for a similar share of the 40 pool matches on offer.
"Our proposal also highlights Auckland’s extremely diverse community including significant numbers from many of the competing nations. We hope this ensures many of the teams are based here throughout the Tournament regardless of where their matches are played," Mr Barnett says.
He says Auckland stands to gain up to $315 million in direct economic benefits from Rugby World Cup matches and the long term return from successfully hosting global mega events, such as RWC 2011, will be much greater.
"The more matches and teams Auckland can secure, the more we can maximise the benefits for the long term good of the region and the country."
Auckland’s proposal has been developed collaboratively with input from all of the region’s councils, Tourism Auckland, AucklandPlus, ARTA, all three of the region’s rugby unions, together with match and training venues. Mr Barnett says the unprecedented regional collaboration illustrates the determination right across the Auckland region to make Rugby World Cup 2011 the ultimate festival of rugby - an utterly unforgettable event for all those who attend.
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New Zealand Innovation centre major step forward for Auckland innovation
21 October 2008
Today’s announcement of government funding for the New Zealand Innovation Centre (NZIC) is a giant step forward in Auckland’s quest to be recognised as a hub of innovation, according the region’s economic development agency AucklandPlus.
Prime Minister Helen Clark today announced $25 million of Government funding to develop the centre in Auckland. It will be built next to the University of Auckland’s Tamaki Campus, on 10 hectares of land provided by the University and Auckland City Council. It is likely to serve 50-100 firms by 2015.
"This is great news for Auckland - the centre will play a pivotal role in increasing innovation in the region and give the local and wider New Zealand economy a substantial boost," says AucklandPlus Group Manager Clyde Rogers.
"Auckland and New Zealand will never compete internationally on cost. Where we can and must compete is in the area of knowledge and innovation as an exporter of high value products and services, he says. "The Auckland region’s vision is ‘to be recognised globally as a centre for innovation in key industries’ within the next ten years and today’s announcement is a big step towards achieving this."
Mr Rogers says the NZIC is symptomatic of the way Auckland has moved forward in leaps and bounds to build a platform for greater innovation since the launch of the Metro Project Action Plan in late 2006.
"We’re now two years down the track in implementing the Plan which includes ‘build Auckland’s innovation and export strength’ as one of its key platforms," Mr Rogers says. AucklandPlus is charged with implementing the innovation platform of the Plan.
"We have seen a number of important achievements and major developments towards this vision over the past two years, with more to come in the near future," Mr Rogers says.
He says Auckland’s innovation successes since the launch of the Metro Project Action plan include:
- Improved access to early stage capital with the launch of the New Zealand Angel Association
- The launch of the New Zealand pilot of PLATO in Auckland (PLATO is international business mentoring and peer support programme)
- Education and promotion of research and development tax credits
- A business innovation roadmap
- Improved access to Auckland’s internationally regarded research providers.
In addition to these there are a number of future initiatives underway or imminent, including a review of Auckland’s innovation system and targeted acceleration projects in hybrid plastics, digital content, marine, health as well as food and beverage. Mr Rogers says this work combined with the development of the NZIC all adds up to success in increasing Auckland’s business innovation and export strength.
"Auckland’s success is New Zealand’s success so this work and today’s announcement is great news for the whole country."
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Clyde Rogers, Group Manager AucklandPlus, Ph 021 957 454
Simon Roche, Marketing and Communications Manager AucklandPlus, Ph 021 656 380.
Auckland's digital sector gets $2.5 million funding boost
23 September 2008
Auckland’s digital content sector will receive a $2.5million boost in funding over the next two years.
Economic Development Minister Pete Hodgson and Communications and Technology Minister David Cunliffe today announced government funding of up to $2 million over two years to Auckland Plus to help grow the region’s digital content sector. A further $500,000 will come from the region.
AucklandPlus, which developed the proposal, project outline and funding application with input from key industry stakeholders, is delighted with the government’s support , says Michael Barnett, AucklandPlus advisory board chair.
"This signals the start of a concerted effort to grow the digital content sector," Mr Barnett says. "Auckland is a hotbed of innovation and creativity and this funding will help to channel and harness this energy and enable the sector to flourish - both locally and internationally."
The Auckland initiative is part of a more integrated national approach to developing the digital content industry, a key action identified in the government’s Digital Strategy 2.0, launched on August 28. Despite the industry’s relatively young and dynamic nature, it contributes $1.7billion to the national GDP, equating to 3.1 per cent.
The initiative aims to increase skill and investment levels in the sector systematically through commercialisation programmes and graduate internships while facilitating networking and fostering better connections to research organisations and education facilities, Mr Barnett says. Creative Digital Content Auckland president Shona Grundy says Auckland’s digital content sector is already competitive on an international level but the funding boost will help unlock its vast potential.
"We are very excited about the growth opportunities this initiative promises to bring to our sector. Our innovation levels are high and some products globally recognised - we now need help to attract and retain more investment, expertise and entrepreneurs so Auckland can lead industry developments from the very front."
AucklandPlus will manage the project and contract with MED. Key elements include the appointment of an industry advisory board, delivery of specific programmes to address key issues affecting growth in the sector, and investigating a potential new regional sector body to deliver the programmes. These are likely to be in place by the end of the year, Mr Barnett says.
The region’s contribution will be generated through programme and membership fees and contributions from local economic development agencies and the industry itself.
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Tourism campaign heralds new opportunity for Auckland
16 September 2008
A new campaign to promote the Auckland region as a visitor destination marks the debut this week of a new way of presenting Auckland to the world.
AucklandPlus Chairman Michael Barnett says the initiative to develop a brand for the whole Auckland region is all about telling Auckland’s story and strengthening its reputation in the global marketplace.
"The brand is ‘Auckland’ and it has been developed in a way that allows us to talk about Auckland - its spirit, its personality, its heritage and all the possibilities on offer here - with one coherent, consistent identity.
"Brand is about reputation and through our brand values and story this brand will establish Auckland’s reputation as a destination to visit, live, work, invest, study and do business.
"With the Royal Commission, we are at a moment in time that is about Auckland coming together for the good of the whole region. There has never been a better time to do this with Rugby World Cup 2011 on the horizon and the fantastic opportunities that provides to showcase Auckland to the world as a major events, visitor and business destination.
"A strong value proposition is a ‘must have’ for any region wanting to compete internationally. This is a serious investment in Auckland’s economic development and will deliver a return for Aucklanders and New Zealand," Mr Barnett says.
The Tourism Auckland campaign which features in print media and on www.aucklandnz.com from Wednesday incorporates the new brand using images which tell a story of Auckland as a spirited and diverse region.
The need for a strong Auckland brand was identified in the Auckland Regional Economic Development Strategy in 2002. It was listed as one of the actions in the Metro Project Action Plan launched in 2006 following the recommendations from a team of international experts and input from a wide range of Auckland leaders. The Auckland brand has backing at a national level from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism New Zealand.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has been a funding partner in the project,
while representatives of Tourism Auckland, Ministry of Economic Development, Air New Zealand, AucklandPlus and Auckland Regional Council joined forces to steer the development of the brand. Branding specialists DesignWorks were appointed to develop the brand. The finished work has won the endorsement of Tourism New Zealand CEO George Hickton.
Mr Barnett says the brand is about giving Auckland something that a whole range of Auckland agencies can use to strut our stuff here at home, throughout New Zealand and around the globe with one coherent, consistent identity.
"Research shows that Auckland lacks presence and awareness in a world where city-regions compete to attract investment, talent and visitors. Changing that perception will deliver a huge return on our investment."
As well as the Tourism Auckland campaign the new brand will be seen initially in:
- Tourism Auckland promotional material (e.g. website, The Auckland Guide)
- Film Auckland promotional material (Korea, October)
- The New Zealand Opportunities Expo in London (October)
- Tourism New Zealand rugby ball pavilion in London (November
- International Netball tests (Vector Arena, September / October)
- LA Galaxy vs Oceania (Mt Smart Stadium, December)
- Louis Vuitton Pacific Series (January / February 2009)
- AucklandPlus promotional material for potential investors
The brand will be available for use by tourism bodies, economic development agencies, local councils, individual businesses, educational institutions and others who have roles to play in building Auckland’s reputation.
Mr Barnett says this project has been about talking to people and researching the truth about Auckland, developing that into a brand strategy, a set of values, a compelling brand story and finally a visual identity that reflects Auckland.
"Like any new brand everyone will have an opinion on it. I would say to anyone - visit brandauckland.com and listen to Oscar Kightley telling the Auckland story and then tell me what you think of it."
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09 366 2077 or 021 656 380
Rugby World Cup 2011: Auckland to play pivotal role in national tournament
4 September 2008
Auckland will be where the action is at the business end of Rugby World Cup 2011 after today securing the bronze final at Eden Park.
RWC 2011 tournament organisers Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd (RNZ 2011) today announced Auckland as the host for the bronze final (third and fourth play-off) in addition to the semi-finals and the final already confirmed for Eden Park. The quarter-finals will be played in Christchurch and Wellington. Regional spokesperson for Auckland’s RWC planning Michael Barnett said securing the bronze final gave Auckland another opportunity to showcase the city to the world.
"We will have two blockbuster weekends of rugby where the eyes of the world will be on Auckland. We need to give our visitors something to remember.
"It’s our intention to programme cultural and community events between these two finals weekends to truly deliver a ‘festival of rugby’ to both visitors and Aucklanders."
Barnett said the region was focused on playing our part in making this the best RWC ever.
"Auckland’s success is New Zealand’s success and our strengths have Auckland ideally placed to help deliver on the national vision of a ‘unique and stunning festival with enduring impacts for New Zealand’," says Barnett. He wished to congratulate the other successful host cities.
"Following the tournament’s ‘stadium of four million’ theme, we’re looking forward to working closely with the other host cities to ensure a consistent Rugby World Cup experience for visiting fans and media."
"We also want to make this an event that Aucklanders can be proud of, be involved in and benefit from."
Today’s announcement, which confirmed Eden Park as the semi-finals venue after originally being subject to contract negotiations, also provides the region with certainty in its planning for the world’s third largest sporting event.
Auckland’s proposal to host two quarter-finals and the bronze final was a collaborative effort by organisations across the region including all Auckland councils, Tourism Auckland, AucklandPlus, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority, major stadia and the three Auckland-based rugby unions. A Regional Steering Group is leading Auckland’s preparations for the tournament and the Regional Sustainable Development Forum (RSDF) is the political body overseeing the work.
"The Auckland region is working together to ensure Rugby World Cup 2011 is a success for Auckland, for our businesses, our residents, our visitors and for our reputation," says Barnett - Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive, RSDF member and Chair of AucklandPlus.
"This tournament has the potential to generate $315 million* of additional expenditure in the Auckland region, and the long-term benefits of successfully showcasing Auckland to the world will be much, much greater," says Barnett.
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Michael Barnett - 0275 631 150 or visit www.auckland2011.com
Speed networking kicks off PLATO pilot
Tonight sees an evening of speed networking with fifteen of Auckland’s most ambitious small and medium enterprises (SMEs) exchange company insights and ambitions. The event marks the first group’s entry into AucklandPlus’ two year pilot PLATO programme, designed to develop the management capability of entrepreneurial SMEs in the region.
"Auckland’s pilot PLATO programme is a prime example of NZ Skills Strategy in action," says Economic Development Minister Pete Hodgson. "The two-year programme is based on an international model first introduced in Belgium in 1988. There are PLATO™ networks in mainland Europe, the UK and Ireland. The Auckland pilot is the first PLATO programme in New Zealand.
"Leaders and participants will learn from their European counterparts, benchmarking themselves against best practices and building links with an international network of innovative companies to help create more opportunity for growth and development
"It’s good to see New Zealand’s SMEs receiving mentoring and training from some of our leading international companies. This will not only help them improve their management systems but also allow them to gain a better understanding of how to access global markets. Larger companies involved will have the opportunity to further position their companies as experts in the management and growth of SMEs in New Zealand," says Minister Pete Hodgson.
PLATO aims to support owner-managers in developing their business and management skills through encouraging shared learning with like minded companies. Immersing facilitators and SME participants in the programme’s open working style and its objectives, the speed networking encourages collaborative and open learning that forms the basis of the programme.
New Zealand’s first PLATO SME participants hail from a range of sectors including food and beverages, ICT, and tourism. As they move through the programme they will benefit from the group facilitator’s knowledge and their networks.
A second pilot group, to start later this year, is being recruited now. Vodafone and Software of Excellence will facilitate this group. Anyone interested in further information on the programme can contact Katie Taylor at AucklandPlus: katie.taylor@aucklandplus.com
Rugby World Cup 2011: Auckland bids for two quarter-finals and bronze final
18 July 2008
The Auckland region has come together to put forward a compelling case to host two quarter-finals and the bronze final in the world’s third largest sporting event - Rugby World Cup 2011.
In a show of regional unity, key Auckland organisations have jointly proposed Eden Park to host two quarter-finals and either Eden Park or North Harbour Stadium to host the bronze final (third and fourth play-off).
RWC 2011 tournament organisers Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd (RNZ 2011) requested comprehensive proposals from regions wishing to host these matches by 5pm yesterday in what is a nationally competitive process. Auckland will be the hub of Rugby World Cup 2011, with the semifinals and final already confirmed for Eden Park.
Regional spokesperson for Auckland’s proposal Michael Barnett says hosting two quarter-finals and the bronze final will provide further opportunities to showcase Auckland to the world and maximise the return for ratepayers.
"These remaining knock-out matches are another chance to leave visitors with a lasting impression that Auckland is a world-class city that is building a reputation as a desirable major events destination."
Auckland’s proposal to host two quarter-finals and the bronze final is a collaborative effort by organisations across the region including all Auckland councils, Tourism Auckland, AucklandPlus, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority, major stadia and the three Auckland-based rugby unions. A Regional Steering Group is leading Auckland’s preparations for the tournament and the Regional Sustainable Development Forum (RSDF) is the political body overseeing the work.
"The Auckland region is working together to ensure Rugby World Cup 2011 is a success for Auckland, for our businesses, our residents, our visitors and for our reputation," says Barnett - Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive, RSDF member and Chair of AucklandPlus.
Auckland’s proposal highlights the region’s strengths, including:
- World-class venues (featuring the country’s biggest stadium - Eden Park with a 60,000 capacity for RWC 2011)
- A large and diverse population base of 1.4 million
- The country’s largest accommodation sector (featuring mainly high quality accommodation)
- Upgraded transport infrastructure
"Auckland’s success is New Zealand’s success and these strengths have Auckland ideally placed to help deliver on the national vision of a ‘unique and stunning festival with enduring impacts for New Zealand’," Barnett says.
He says staging more matches in Auckland, with Eden Park’s 60,000 RWC capacity, will allow more Aucklanders and visitors to experience a live match. The region’s proposal also outlines initiatives such as sustainability and volunteer programmes, and festival-type activities including live sites.
"We want to make this an event that Aucklanders can be proud of, be involved in and benefit from," says Barnett. "This tournament has the potential to generate $315 million* of additional expenditure in the Auckland region, and the long-term benefits of successfully showcasing Auckland to the world will be much, much greater,"
RWC will also be a catalyst for major infrastructure improvements across the region.
"We are investing in infrastructure and amenities so our proposal to host these matches is about maximising the return on this investment for ratepayers while contributing to New Zealand’s success in hosting the tournament."
Auckland expects to find out in September whether its proposal to host two quarter-finals and the bronze final is successful.
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Visitor Economy is Auckland's $12 billion opportunity
12 December 2007
Auckland has the opportunity to increase visitor expenditure in the region by $12 billion and deliver a host of additional benefits to its residents over the next decade, with the right investments in tourism.
That’s the finding of Bringing the World to Auckland, a newly released report by regional economic development agency AucklandPlus, which was endorsed by the Auckland Regional Economic Development Forum this week.
Bringing the World to Auckland outlines the case for investment in Auckland’s visitor economy, and outlines the critical investments and actions needed to reap the rewards for the region. The document is part of the implementation of Auckland’s Metro Project Action Plan. David McConnell of McConnell International, who chaired the steering group which oversaw the development of the report, says a fundamental change is needed if Auckland is to capitalise on the potential of its visitor economy.
"Auckland must transform itself from a gateway into a world-class destination. It is doable and if we get it right the rewards will be a better place to live for Aucklanders and big dollars into the regional economy," Mr McConnell says.
The financial modelling in the report shows that visitors to Auckland currently increase the region’s base population by 5.5% but if that were to grow to 7.8% by 2018, the corresponding rise in direct visitor expenditure over that period (above forecast natural growth) would be $12b.
"But the dollars are only a small part of the story," Mr McConnell says. "The reason that the visitor economy is a fundamental driver for change is that the visitor economy underwrites Auckland’s amenity level. It can help to improve quality and range of goods and services that Aucklanders use regularly, provide activities that residents wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to take part in and deliver a spirited city-region.
"This in turn leads to attraction and retention of talent, greater wealth and employment, improved labour productivity and regional pride. It creates a spiralling positive climate for continued investment, growth and success for Auckland and New Zealand’s economy."
AucklandPlus Chair Michael Barnett says the investment proposition outlined in Bringing the World to Auckland is realistic. It recommends a regional investment of $5m per year for the establishment of a regional tourism agency backed up by a $1.5b central government investment in infrastructure and attractors.
"The payoff over 10 years would be an additional $1.8b in government tax take and an additional $7.21b in regional GDP for Auckland. That’s a great return by anybody’s standards."
Mr Barnett says the establishment of a regional visitor agency is the critical first investment needed to start the ball rolling.
"We need a regional visitor agency to lead destination marketing and destination management for the region. The agency would also include a convention bureau and an assoc
