New Zealand plea

New Zealand MICE professionals have renewed calls for a convention centre in Auckland following last week’s announcement that Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre (SCEC) will undergo a one billion dollar make-over.

The Nibbler earlier this month heard from Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) chief executive Alan Trotter, who expressed concerns that plans for the $350 million International Convention Centre in Auckland could fall through because of a political debate over pokie funding (April 11).

But following last week’s confirmation that the SCEC will undergo a complete overhaul, Trotter has stressed the centre is “desperately needed” in order for New Zealand to compete on a global stage.

“We can’t afford to let this opportunity slide. If we’re to remain competitive in the business tourism market we need to have top class facilities as well, so it is a matter of great urgency that we get an international convention centre up and running as soon as possible,” he said.

Of almost 8000 international association conferences held each year, Trotter said New Zealand only managed to secure 30 because of the country’s limited facilities. New Zealand also lost a bid for a medical conference worth $14 million in economic benefit because there were no appropriate facilities, he added.