New venues will invigorate sector

Rooftop at QT outside. Photo / Supplied.

Conferences are the lifeblood of New Zealand’s MICE sector and a number of impressive new venues will be ready in the next few years or have recently opened for business.

CINZ Chief Executive Sue Sullivan says the new venues will "boost New Zealand's reputation as an exciting and unique conference destination". They are timely too as Sydney opened its impressive International Conference Centre on Darling Harbour last December. This is the largest centre of its type in the Asia Pacific region (the size of 26 Olympic swimming pools and capable of running three conferences concurrently).

Today international businesses are seeking modern facilities in destinations that offer easy to access activities and experiences and New Zealand is stepping up to the challenge with a range of new or improved venues. Meanwhile work continues on Auckland's New Zealand International Convention Centre which is expected to be completed in 2019.

CHRISTCHURCH
CHRISTCHURCH CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE

Construction started in 2015 on this world-class facility and it is expected to be open in late 2019. The multi-purpose centre is already attracting attention internationally with Christchurch winning the right to host the 16th World Cereal and Bread Congress in 2020.

The event is expected to bring more than 600 international delegates to the proposed new Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre. It is set to follow the 67th Australasian Grain Association Conference, another win for the city bringing
up to 200 delegates in September 2017, mostly from Australia.

Christchurch and Canterbury Convention Bureau manager Caroline Blanchfield says these conference wins signal a surge in interest for Christchurch as a meeting destination.
CINZ Chief Executive Sue Sullivan says the centre promises "a huge economic boost for the region."

"Having a purpose-designed facility in the South Island, with easy international access via Christchurch Airport, will lift help New Zealand's profile as a great place to do business."
The key attendance drivers for convention delegates are education opportunities, networking and the destination.

"We tick all the boxes here," she says."Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island, and a smart, future-focused city with expertise to share in diverse sectors including agriculture, building technology, earth sciences, health sciences, international education, and technology."

ccec.co.nz

AUCKLAND
THE VODAFONE EVENTS CENTRE

The Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau offers an arena, a theatre, a conference centre, two meeting rooms and multiple foyers and with the addition of the new Sir Noel Robinson Conference Centre's 1,200 sqm of pillarless floor space to the venue's existing 3,000 sqm exhibition and banqueting space.

It will offer the country's largest single flat floor, purpose-built conference centre.
In a first for New Zealand, Vector Wero Whitewater Park has rapids running right next to the new Sir Noel Robinson Conference Centre.

"People haven't quite understood what has been developed right beside the Auckland's Southern motorway but when they see Vector Wero Whitewater Park - they are blown away," says Second Nature Charitable Trust CEO, Richard Jeffery. No - it's not a theme park but rather two real white water rivers that will suit every skill and fitness level, topped off with the world's first manmade and controlled 4.5-metre waterfall.

Business groups, sports teams and community groups can book a guided rafting experience that will be fun, challenging and a brilliant team building exercise.

The Sir Noel Robinson Conference Centre was developed with the white water park to provide a contemporary and flexible conference venue that can accommodate small or large groups.

pacific.org.nz

WELLINGTON
LOWER HUTT

The Hutt City Events Centre will open in spring 2017, as a multi-purpose venue which can comfortably cater to conferences and events of up to 1,300 people. The events centre will provide two large interconnected rooms, a large airy atrium, plus the adjoining town hall.

Each space can be configured for large conferences, trade displays and expos or banquet dinners. A range of break-out rooms and smaller function spaces are also available. A large café, commercial kitchen and on-site chefs will be able to cater to all events. The Lower Hutt i-SITE is also planned to be onsite.

The Centre will fuse contemporary architecture with design elements synonymous with the modernist era of the 1950's surrounding in the heart of the City's civic precinct.

Hutt City Council is funding and building the centre and an independent operator will manage the day-to-day operation of the centre - who will also be the operator of a new Sebel Hotel both scheduled to open in Spring 2017.

huttcity.govt.nz

MARLBOROUGH

The new ASB theatre which recently opened is a multi-use and purpose built venue overlooking Blenheim's Taylor River. It offers state-of-the-art facilities and amenities for Live Performance, Performing Arts, Conferences and Function events.

The 711 seat venue will be a welcome addition to the conferencing scene in Marlborough. It's conveniently located adjacent to the Marlborough Convention centre and houses two theatres and naturally lit function spaces and foyers. The auditorium has a fully functioning fly tower and counter weight flying system, perfect for special events.

The more intimate Anderson Theatre is a flexible multi-use space - perfect for conference break outs or trade expos. The Whitehaven Wine Room is a purpose built function space. It overlooks the Taylor River and a wonderful Grant Williams kinetic sculpture. It dines up to 170 and can handle a cocktail function for 300, and has good connection with thefoyer space, with both being able to be opened up to allow for larger events.

mctt.co.nz