Attracting more major events

From City Scene, published on 20 April, 2008

Auckland City Council is taking a lead role in attracting major events to Auckland, with an annual $300,000 bid fund approved by the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee.

The fund will allow the council to be proactive in identifying and attracting international events that align with its events strategy and are a good fit with Auckland's infrastructure.

The council has also created an event attraction manager role and a streamlined approval process so that Auckland can be more responsive to major event opportunities.

"Cities worldwide are starting to appreciate the enormous economic and social benefits that events bring to their communities," says committee chairperson Councillor Greg Moyle.

"Establishing this fund is the first part of the council's comprehensive approach to ensuring Auckland has a competitive standing in the international events scene," he says.

Further initiatives include establishing partnerships with other cities and the private sector to increase bidding capacity and resources.

The council will also conduct research into establishing an event attraction organisation to ensure long-term bidding success. This research will consider funding and governance models, together with findings from the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance.