Page 3

Already a ‘bucket list’ destination itself, Auckland’s sparkling harbours and native forests join with a vibrant city centre, unique Māori and South Pacific cultures and world-famous cuisine to provide an amazing range of things to see and do.Auckland is home to one in three New Zealanders, comprising more than 200 ethnicities. The region has three of New Zealand’s top universities, as well as a number of leading polytechnics and research institutes, creating a core knowledge hub. Combined with Inside knowledge, outdoor adventures… and everything in betweenNew Zealand’s independent culture fuels innovation, and this small nation has built a big reputation for ground-breaking research, creative services and high-quality products. A culture of innovationAUCKLAND AN INNOVATION HUB OF THE ASIA PACIFIC | 3 “Kiwi ingenuity” drives a number of innovators, disrupters, designers and entrepreneurs, particularly in Auckland,New Zealand’s largest city. ease of doing business and a strong events infrastructure, Auckland is forging a reputation as a world-class destination for business events.Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) director Helen Robinson says: “In Auckland you have 110 beaches, incredible food, incredible wine, incredible people, beautiful scenery - you have the best of all worlds really. Then add great minds, intellect, science and technology, connectivity, and we have a lot to offer - it’s the whole experience.”Easily accessibleAuckland is a three-hour flight from the eastern seaboard of Australia, a direct overnight flight from the US west coast and about 11 hours from major Asian cities including Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo. Air connectivity and capacity continues to increase, with more than 140 international flights each day from 46 destinations now flying into Auckland International Airport.Increasing infrastructureA new inner city rail link is one of several new public transport initiatives, while 2,300+ more hotel rooms are in the pipeline within the next 10 years. This will add to the inner city’s current accommodation offering of more than 6,500 rooms across every taste and budget. A place to meetAuckland already offers a range of varied and versatile venues, but its newest, the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), will be the country’s largest. Opening mid-2019, it will allow Auckland to compete internationally for larger-scale international conventions and events. With a theatre seating 2,850 people and an exhibition floor of nearly 8,000 sqm, its central location puts it at the heart of Auckland’s CBD and its knowledge economy. Conference Assistance ProgrammeAuckland Convention Bureau and Tourism New Zealand will provide co-ordinated assistance to help bring your business event to New Zealand, from preparing and delivering a bid, to connecting you with business specialists. The Conference Assistance Programme offers strategic funding and marketing assistance for event bids with a minimum of 200 international delegates. Support includes:• a financial feasibility study • development of bid documents• covering bid delivery travel costs• delegate marketing assistance.