Proposed Wellington Convention Centre Beneficial

19 August 2014

Proposed Wellington Convention Centre Beneficial

Property Council Wellington strongly supports the proposed Convention Centre for Wellington.

The initiative creates jobs and fosters economic growth and development in the city, further reinforcing its dynamic cultural and arts scene, world class restaurant culture and active outdoors lifestyle.

Convention centres being built in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown, will impact attracting visitors and business to the region.

Wellington Branch President Andrew Hay says it is important that Wellington City Council actively markets what differentiates the city, to remain competitive.

“With the international conference market showing strong growth trends, Wellington City Council should pitch the city even harder at an international market, to ensure the centre’s profitability.”

Central Government has already recognised this by investing $34 million over four years in Tourism New Zealand, in a bid to attract increased business for this sector.

Currently, Wellington has 16 per cent of the market share of multi-day delegate days, compared to Auckland’s 30 per cent. Wellington hosts 79 (26 per cent of market share) conferences per annum of 201 plus delegates, compared with Auckland’s 208 (39 per cent of market share).

While the Capital has lost 3 per cent of its share since March 2013, it remains second to Auckland.

As such, Property Council Wellington supports innovate and cost effective solutions in developing the convention centre; to ensure the city attracts its share of delegates and stimulating the local economy.

But it is vital that Wellington City Council ensures transparency and efficiency in its cost management processes for the benefit of the entire community.

About Property Council New Zealand
Property Council is New Zealand’s commercial property voice. Property Council represents New Zealand's office, industrial, retail, property funds and multi-unit residential property owners, investors and managers. Property Council’s branches throughout the country represent some of the

largest commercial property portfolios in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, East Coast/Hawkes Bay and the South Island and Otago region, the value of which exceeds billions.

ENDS

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