Auckland an events destination

Len Brown, Mayor of the new Auckland unitary council, says that the city has taken the first steps towards becoming one of the world's leading events cities.

The mayor has commissioned a report from the council controlled organisation Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development Ltd on how to make the city more of a destination for unforgettable local and international events.

Mayor Brown explains "I want Aucklanders to have a sense of pride and excitement about the events in their city, I want Kiwis from other regions to come and experience the best we can offer, and I want international visitors to go home telling everyone Auckland is the place to go."

Next year, Auckland hosts international events including the Rugby World Cup 2011 followed by Volvo Ocean Race, and the International Triathlon Union World Championships in 2012. Aucklandâs biennial arts festival celebrates its fifth birthday, showcasing artists and performers from New Zealand and abroad, and as every year, the city hosts the largest Pacific festival in the world, Pasifika.

Mayor Brown adds "we will continue to attract high profile international events while promoting our distinctive local events to domestic and international visitors. Similarly attractions around the city, such as sculpture or wine trails, can be promoted as regional packages to our visitors. With all our attractions, stunning environment and friendly people, we have the potential to develop a world class reputation and a prosperous tourism industry."

The new Council's website now includes pages devoted to the city's arts, beaches, events, heritage, parks, pools and recreation centres.

It can be viewed at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/ParksLeisureCulture/Pages/Home.aspx 

Image: Auckland's Viaduct Marina

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