Auckland's ASB Showgrounds goes into liquidation

Auckland's ASB Showgrounds - one of the New Zealand's major convention venues - has gone into liquidation.

Reports have quoted Kim Campbell, the former Chair of the showgrounds board, advising that the venue went into liquidation last week following a dispute with its landlord - the Cornwall Park Trust - over rent during the pandemic.

Campbell said a dispute over rent had exacerbated the pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, a vintage car sales event due to take place this weekend at the venue, has been postponed.

Caolan McAleer, head of collectors’ cars, motorcycles and automobilia at Webb’s, told Morning Report they had spent weeks and months planning this event.

McAleer advised “we had the liquidator walk in and just pretty much shut us down, just caught us all by surprise.

“To be told that we had to get it all out, including 44 cars, which you can imagine, was a bit of a logistical feat in itself.”

The Showgrounds, which have been hosting events for more than 160 years, was also due to host the Auckland Food Show, Home Show, and Baby Show in coming weeks, as well as several concerts in its auditorium, the Logan Campbell Centre.

Image: ASB Showgrounds. Credit: AucklandNZ.