3 February 2005

Major events a focus for Auckland City

Auckland City has given new priority to attracting, developing and retaining major events in the city starting with support in principle for a new, bi-annual Anniversary Weekend waterfront festival in 2006.

The Economic Development and Sustainable Business Committee yesterday proposed that new funding of $223,000 for the waterfront festival be considered by the combined committees of council in March for inclusion in next year’s budget.

“We want to ensure Auckland is a thriving, exciting city that can reap the rewards major events have to offer,” said Councillor Richard Northey, chairperson of the Economic Development and Sustainable Business Committee.

The committee also proposed new funding of $100,000 to be added and a reallocation of $200,000 within Auckland City’s major events budget to streamline processes such as consent approvals, venue and infrastructure costs, clean up, signage, fencing and emergency management planning.

“In answer to feedback from the events industry, Auckland City intends to make it easier to plan and run events in the city,” said Mr Northey.

That funding proposal will be discussed at the council’s budget briefing on 15 February as part of the annual plan direction setting process.

“The funding will help us retain and build on existing major events but not at the expense of smaller local events which will continue to be an important part of our events calendar,” said Mr Northey.

“Over the coming year we will look at a long-term new funding to further support our major events strategy such as funding from central government and possibly a targeted rate,” said Mr Northey.

ENDS

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