Podcasts about auckland unlimited

It's been a big season for GoMedia Stadium as Auckland FC kept drawing in the crowds - and they're set to go bigger ahead of the upcoming play-off games. An extra 2700 seats will be added to GoMedia Stadium ahead of Auckland's second leg semi-final on Saturday, 24 May. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited's Director of Auckland Stadiums, James Parkinson, joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism organisations from across the North Island are teaming up to shine a light on its tourism offerings. Fifteen operators including Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Rotorua NZ and Northland Inc have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. It aims to generate interest from key tourism markets particularly Australia, North America and China. Northland Inc Head of Destination Tania Burt told Ryan Bridge tourists fly into Auckland and then head straight to the South Island. She says only 20-30% of their region's visitors are international, hence the need to work together. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Declining stats for Auckland's Eden Park, as the number of major events coming to this country reduce. Revenue fell from $44.3 million in 2023 to $29.7 million in 2024 and major event attendance fell from 881 thousand to 540 thousand. Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner told Mike Hosking one of the factors to blame is the lack of seed funding. He says there's been limited funds available from Auckland Unlimited and the central government, and they've missed out on a number of events over the last 12 months. Sautner says Eden Park went through a 125 year journey to get concerts, and now we're in a situation where artists are bypassing New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has lived up to his talk of being a great negotiator, saying “thanks but no thanks” to Team New Zealand. Because a great negotiator is always prepared to walk away if the negotiations aren't going their way, and that's what the Government has done. Telling Grant Dalton and Team NZ that putting $75 million of taxpayer money into hosting the next America's Cup would be a nice-to-have, not a must-have. I think the Government has done the right thing and the wrong thing. It's done the wrong thing because no one can argue that the economic spinoff from hosting something like the America's Cup is huge. Everyone's talking about Barcelona getting truckloads out of hosting the event. Although, they did have the option of hosting it again but decided not to. So maybe the benefits are being talked up a bit. But either way, there are economic benefits that come from hosting something like the America's Cup and, because of that, the Government's done the wrong thing turning its back on it But my overriding feeling is that it's done the right thing because we just can't afford it. Whether we will ever be able to afford it, who knows? But it highlights how we really need to get our act together when it comes to attracting big events here. And we won't do that, unless we all stop competing with each other. When I say “we”, I'm talking about Christchurch and Wellington and Auckland and Dunedin. Everywhere. At the moment, all cities and towns compete with each other to get big events. In Christchurch, when the stadium is open, we'll be trying to get concerts away from Dunedin and get them happening here instead. At the moment, we have ChristchurchNZ in Christchurch, DunedinNZ in Dunedin, WellingtonNZ in Wellington, and Auckland Unlimited in Auckland, all doing the same thing —not to mention all the other agencies around the country— all fighting it out to get events to their areas. And I think this is crazy. Because what's happening is we have all these different agencies taking a very parochial view of the world. ChristchurchNZ, for example, only goes into bat for Christchurch - or Canterbury. When what all of these agencies should doing is working together on a joint approach. Not only because it would mean they weren't all chasing the same thing, it would also mean more money to spend on getting these events here. And it's not just money to get events here, it's money for facilities too. And the parochial ideas blinding our thinking on that. Perfect example being the stadium saga in Auckland and the council deciding last week to redevelop Eden Park instead of building something new on the waterfront. They're still wanting more than $100 million from the Government for Eden Park, when we already have stadiums coming out of our ears in New Zealand. There's Dunedin stadium - with a roof. The new Christchurch stadium - with a roof. The Cake Tin, in Wellington. And Eden Park. And the only reason money is being poured into Eden Park is parochialism. Just like Christchurch wanted a 30,000 seat stadium because of parochialism. And if the country keeps going like this, we'll never have the money to get big events here. We'll have the stadiums - but there'll be nothing happening inside them. Which is why we need to take the job of chasing these big events away from all these regional agencies and have one central agency deciding what events we're going to go for and where they're going to be held. Because what's good for Christchurch is good for Auckland. And what's good for Dunedin is good for Wellington. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The boss of Hospitality NZ says the Government's reasons for not backing an Auckland America's Cup bid don't stack up. Auckland Unlimited has confirmed the denial of funding has put it out of the running for 2027. The Prime Minister and Finance Minister say there are better uses for the money. Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Steve Armitage says the money wouldn't go into a black hole. "Actually, the Government can help to bolster Government coffers through GST revenue - from the teams being here and established over a period of time. There's investment in technology, boat building, componentry, even before you get to the visitations." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's chance of hosting the next America's Cup has gone the way of the wind. Auckland Unlimited confirmed yesterday that the city is unable to proceed with its bid for the 2027 event, as the Government isn't contributing any funding. AUT Sailing Professor and former world champion sailor, Mark Orams told Kerre Woodham that the professionalisation of sport has resulted in finances playing a more significant role when it comes to decision making. He says New Zealand lagged behind the trend as much of our sport remained amateur, but sailing has now caught up to the transition. “The days of hosting the America's Cup or having Team New Zealand sponsored by a family of five New Zealand sponsors are now gone.” “The costs associated with both mounting a competitive campaign and hosting a major international sporting event are just beyond our ability to fund within New Zealand.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The next America's Cup will not be held in Auckland. Auckland Council's events arm, Auckland Unlimited, has confirmed the city is unable to proceed with its bid for the 2027 event. The agency says its bid was contingent on a three-way funding partnership between Auckland Council, central Government, and the private sector. AUT sailing professor Mark Orams says this development is unsurprising - as it was a long shot for Auckland given the current economic climate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland could become one of the cornerstones of the SailGP calendar, with the league discussing a six-year agreement to run events in the City of Sails. The global foiling league made its debut in Auckland in January, with bumper crowds turning out to enjoy the action on the Waitematā Harbour. It's a sight Sir Russell Coutts hopes to see more of in years to come. “One of the things we're trying to do with SailGP is make it an annual event, and I know the authorities in New Zealand are interested as well, so we're discussing something like a six-year, or six-season, term, because there are huge benefits in coming back year after year,” he told the Herald. “Like many of the iconic events around the world, whether it be the Melbourne Cup or the Australian Open tennis, people get to know when they're on at a certain time of the year and that has its distinct advantages. “We're looking to do the same as we build out our calendar to 20-plus events a year. We're looking to grow those events in the various continents around the world. “So in Australasia, of course, we're looking to expand that calendar of events and no doubt you'll see some announcements on that in the coming weeks.” Coutts said the make-up of those six years was still being discussed, with the potential of a four-year commitment with a two-year right of renewal an option alongside a straight six-year deal. It comes after the success of its first time in Auckland, with the event having a 46% audience increase between that and the season opener in Dubai late in 2024. The economic impact report for the event is expected to be made public soon, however, Coutts told the Herald it revealed a US$36 million ($63m) return. That number is a 73% increase on the 2024 New Zealand SailGP event, held in Christchurch, which amassed a total economic impact of US$20.7m for the host region. In a statement to the Herald, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill said it was positive about the potential to host SailGP again. “As with any major event investment, there is a process to follow including post-event analysis and a new business case. We are working constructively with the SailGP team to ensure we have all the information to take this forward and are working to a mid-April timeline,” Hill said. “We face significant funding challenges for attracting and delivering major events in Auckland. At present, we do not have a sustainable long-term funding model and this remains a critical issue.” While Coutts has previously spoken about the potential for other host cities in New Zealand, he said at this stage the organisation was not looking anywhere but Auckland. “It was a great event in Auckland, wasn't it? I think it was hugely successful from SailGP's perspective, but also from the city's perspective and New Zealand's perspective for that matter “We are not looking, at this stage, at other events in New Zealand, but that's not to say we wouldn't do at some time in the future.” While season five has its fourth of 13 confirmed events on the calendar in Los Angeles this weekend, plans are already in place for further expansion in season six. This season brought the addition of two new teams and another two are expected to be added for the next campaign as well as more stops on the calendar. The expanded lineup is also expected to see racing move to split-fleet racing, with seven boats on the water at a time opposed to the current structure in which all 12 teams compete against one another in fleet racing. “We're going to run a process with the next two teams that we put on sale, which are teams 13 and 14, that'll be more of a structured assessment of the various buyers,” Coutts said. “We know that there's buyer interest out there, and obviously we evaluate which country they're going to be representing as well and the where they could host an event, because we like to pair teams with events in their own countries as well. “All of those things come into it as well as the offer on the economics behind the team. We'll be going through a process for that for teams 13 and 14 over the coming months and that process will be announced in due course.” - Christopher Reive LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister of Sport has expressed enthusiasm at bringing the America's Cup back to Auckland - but he's still voiced concerns over the logistics. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited this week confirmed it was in discussions with America's Cup Event and Emirates Team New Zealand about hosting the 38th edition of the Cup, expected to be held in 2027. Mark Mitchell joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Early indications suggest it has been a strong weekend for Auckland businesses following three major events. More than 25,000 people attended the inaugural Auckland League of Sail GP. What did the event do for Auckland city? Tataki Auckland Unlimited CEO Nick Hill joins the show to debrief on the weekend of sailing. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coldplay is set to hit the stage at Auckland's Eden Park later tonight, with over 50,000 people being expected to attend. Extra public transport services are scheduled and fans will have the option to walk down a trail from the CBD - but traffic will be heavy. Auckland Unlimited's head of major events, Michelle Hooper, says the headliners are expected to start about 8.15pm. "They are absolutely global icons - and I'm just so pumped that Auckland's buzzing at the moment as a city. Coldplay are such loyalists to Auckland." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 13 November 2024, the big hikoi to Parliament has disrupted thousands of Auckland commuters' day - and Heather is wondering whether this really is the best way to get the general public on board the cause. Lifetime Black Power member Denis O'Reilly speaks to Heather after the police launched Operation "Nickel" to enforce the gang patch ban from next week. Shihad frontman Jon Toogood tells Heather why the band has decided to call it quits after four decades together. Plus, Auckland Unlimited reveals a little financial help was needed to entice Coldplay to come to the country. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party Wire Host Caeden speaks to Willow-Jean Prime about the Treaty Principles Bill, Labour calling for a pause in Gumboot Friday's funding, and a leaked document showing force will be allowed against young people in the Government's bootcamps for youth offenders. And for State of the States, following Trump's win yesterday, they speak to Andre Fa'aoso from the Yale Daily News, political commentator Tom Unger, and University of Auckland's Professor of Law Scott Optican. For City Counselling this week, Sofia speaks to Councillor Julie Fairey about Tātaki Auckland Unlimited's ‘Happy Guide' as well as Council's decision to move the Western Springs speedway She also speaks to the University of Auckland's Professor Margaret Mutu about the Treaty Principles Bill being introduced today - over a week earlier than its original date.  She also speaks to lecturer at the University of Auckland and spokesperson for and organiser of Toitū te Tiriti, Eru Kapa Kingi, about the nationwide hīkoi planned for the week the Bill was originally meant to be introduced.

Auckland's Mayor Wayne Brown has never shied away from telling us exactly what he thinks. He's waged war on council-controlled organisations, like EkePanuku and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, with proposals to abolish them altogether and bring their activities in-house. He's never thought twice in criticising who he calls the “weasels in Wellington” (or, central Government), and he's also never shied away from voicing his concerns around Auckland Transport, which is currently dealing with a wave of violent attacks on drivers, and passengers. Today on The Front Page, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown joins us to discuss these issues – ahead of his trip to China, where he hopes to put the City of Sails on the to-do list for investors. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineers: Paddy Fox, Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown aims to disestablish the city's tourism and economic development agency. The mayor is progressing plans to fold Tātaki Auckland Unlimited back into council control and reduce its functions. He says the agency spent more than $700,000 on a campaign promoting Auckland to Aucklanders. He says these things need to stop happening with ratepayer money. Hospitality New Zealand CEO Steve Armitage Tātaki says is essential - and plays a pivotal role for the city's tourism. "There are a lot of ancillary benefits, there are jobs created - particularly off the strength of Auckland's visitor economy in recent years." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown aims to disestablish the city's tourism and economic development agency. The mayor is progressing plans to fold Tātaki Auckland Unlimited back into council control and reduce its functions. He says the agency spent more than $700,000 on a campaign promoting Auckland to Aucklanders. He says these things need to stop happening with ratepayer money. Hospitality New Zealand CEO Steve Armitage Tātaki says is essential - and plays a pivotal role for the city's tourism. "There are a lot of ancillary benefits, there are jobs created - particularly off the strength of Auckland's visitor economy in recent years." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A five-year snapshot of Auckland's economic situation shows that despite longer lockdowns, the region still grew 10% financially, matching the national average.   $143 billion in GDP was also generated in 2023 - the fastest in the country.  Auckland Unlimited Director of Economic Development Pam Ford tells Mike Hosking remaining on par with the national average was surprising, but the diversification of the region's economy makes it more resilient compared to the rest of the country.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council has confirmed the venue for next year's SailGP.    It's hosting the start of the Australasian leg in January after Christchurch proved too problematic and it was moved.   Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive Nick Hill says the international event will be based just off Wynyard Point.   He told Andrew Dickens it will be under the Harbour Bridge with a grandstand close to the water.  Hill says all previous legal and environmental issues in the area have been dealt with, to have the event how SailGP's always wanted it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queensland will play New South Wales in Sydney in the first of three State of Origin games.  Following four losses from the past five series, the NSW Blues have made some big changes. Former Kiwis coach Michael Maguire taking charge and giving debuts to five newcomers tonight.  Nick Hill from Tataki Auckland Unlimited joins Piney on Weekend Sport to discuss the possibility of bringing the competition here.   Hill said “It's something that's been talked about for a very long time.”  He said there's three things we have to get over: It would be played on a Wednesday night – late, here in Auckland.   There's consent at Eden Park.  There's the cost – it's incredibly competitive in Australia, so that number's really high.   LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 15th June 2024:  Kicking off the show talking about Auckland hosting State of Origin. We are joined by Nick Hill CE of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, also joined by Blues Assistant coach Paul Titto after his side booked their spot in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific final.   We also preview the second Super Rugby semi-final between the Hurricanes and The Chiefs, Joined by Hurricane Du'Plessis Kirifi and Chief Etene Nanai-Seturo.  Also, talking The Warrior's massive game against top-of-the-table Melbourne Storm with Forward Jackson Ford.   Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I was surprised that the news that Auckland had inked a deal with the Government over water wasn't the lead story on last night's TV news. I would have thought that John Campbell would have had a deep dive on its repercussions for Auckland and the country. Basically, water and housing are the biggest issues for this country because every single person, business and animal needs water - and we all need a roof over our head. But maybe the kids we call journalists these days have never got water and its reforms. There is a lot about the deal that has not been said. Compared to 3 Waters, it's essentially 2 waters. Watercare deals with drinking water and human waste. Waste is sewage. That's a billion-dollar-a-year operation. But they don't deal with stormwater and drains. That's called sewerage and that's dealt with in Auckland by an entity called Healthy Waters. Now that's a $200 million dollar a year operation. It's not a council controlled operation. It will still be funded by council borrowings. So when people talk about polluted waterways being fixed, that's not really covered by the Watercare deal. Which is partly why Auckland's water rates increases are still at 7.3 percent. That 7.3 percent is, as we all know, higher than the rate of inflation and a major part of the cost-of-living crisis which the Government promised to tackle. But that's another kettle of wastewater. This deal happened because Auckland is the only council with CCO or council controlled organisations. They are the product of Auckland's amalgamation into a Super City by Rodney Hide. CCOs were actually designed to prevent Councillors fooling about in core business they know nothing about. And because of that they've never been overly popular. Yet it is claimed that this keeps water under local control. Ask Auckland's Mayors and Councillors about how much control they really exert over CCO's like Watercare, or Auckland Transport, or Auckland Unlimited. So, Watercare will have the remit, which is to provide water and remove waste. Operationally, they're in full control of their processes. The Council's control is limited to a majority of places on the board. So just a reminder that CEOs run companies not boards. They purely appoint a CEO and then assess how well the CEO has done. The Auckland deal was low hanging fruit for the Government, because the structure was already in place. The real test is how this works for everywhere else in New Zealand. The first real test will come this week when Horowhenua, Kapiti, Wairarapa, the Hutt Valley, Porirua and Wellington City meet on Friday to work together on a plan for a greater Wellington region water deal. They will have to set up an entity with bureaucracy and thrash out a deal about which region receives what in funding. Just like 3 Waters. Meanwhile, the good people in the countryside not adjacent to cities will be wondering if there's any white knights riding to their rescue regarding water borrowing. Or if they're going to be left behind. To me this deal is 3 Waters lite, with no ‘co-governance'. And that's it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese business travellers are first priority Auckland tourism for a first-of-its-kind alliance.  Since travel resumed last year, 6% of the 210,000 Chinese tourists were here for business.  Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Auckland Airport will work with China Southern Airlines to market their daily non-stop flights from their main hub in Guangzhou to business travellers.  Auckland Unlimited Destination Director, Annie Dundas, told Mike Hosking that this is the first collaboration they've had with a Chinese airline.  She says we hosted five thousand people from Amway China last year, and this is the kind of business they're looking for.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese business travellers are first priority Auckland tourism for a first-of-its-kind alliance.  Since travel resumed last year, 6% of the 210,000 Chinese tourists were here for business.  Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Auckland Airport will work with China Southern Airlines to market their daily non-stop flights from their main hub in Guangzhou to business travellers.  Auckland Unlimited Destination Director, Annie Dundas, told Mike Hosking that this is the first collaboration they've had with a Chinese airline.  She says we hosted five thousand people from Amway China last year, and this is the kind of business they're looking for.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deputy chair of Tataki Auckland Unlimited Jennah Wootton joins Staf to talk about the future of North Harbour Stadium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The very first Moana Auckland festival begins Saturday in Tāmaki Makaurau, a month-long festival set up to celebrate the city of sail's love affair with the ocean. A range of events and activities are planned, but some people may be wondering if Auckland is ready for a water-based festival after a number of beaches were classified as high risk to swim at earlier this summer, due to sewage overflows. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited director Annie Dundas spoke to Corin Dann.

Fear not the Taniwha, but the great Chinese dragon coming to Auckland Thursday night. The handmade fire-breathing beast spanning the length of two buses has been specially commissioned for this year's BNZ Lantern Festival at Manukau Stadium. The silk-sewn dragon won't be choking up real flames, but more than 500 lanterns will set off into the skies over the next four nights. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited group manager of major events Jep Savali spoke to Corin Dann.

Auckland continues to prove that it's the sporting capital of the country.  The city played a major role in this year's FIFA Women's World Cup - hosting nine matches.  As a result, more than $87 million in GDP was injected into the region's economy, and over 175,000 guest nights were recorded in the city.  Tataki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill told Tim Dower that Auckland's hotels, restaurants, and tourist hot spots all bought in to the event.  He said Auckland hosting the United States team made a big difference.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland businesses say the cancellation of SailGP feels like a "gut punch." Tātaki Auckland Unlimited has confirmed that SailGP won't be hosted in the city next year, due to unavailability of Wynyard Point for spectators. The land has been used to store petrol and chemicals and has not been approved for use. Rayssa Almeida has more.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited today confirmed that SailGP has chosen not to stage their March 2024 event in Auckland. The unavailability of Wynyard Point land as a spectator facility proved to be a barrier, as the land had been contaminated by oil tanks from the old tank farm. Chief Executive Nick Hill says it was always going to be a long complicated process to get that land back. "You need to get to a point where the land could be handed back, and they had no obligations back to the council. If you start using that land- they'll turn around and say you caused the problem." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tighter budget for Auckland's cultural agency is forcing it to get creative. The lack of international events and a $17 million budget cut at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited has left next year's calendar bare. The agency hopes its new harbour-centric festival will keep tourists engaged. Felix Walton has more.

New Zealand's first Ocean Festival is hitting Auckland's waters next year.  Moana Auckland is set to launch on February 24th 2024, lasting a full thirty days as summer comes to an end.  The festival is set to feature the Auckland Boat Show, Z Manu World Champs, the New Zealand Millennium Cup superyacht regatta, and more.   Chris Simpson, Auckland Unlimited's Head of Major Events, told Mike Hosking that while there are new events, some of these events have been running in isolation for some time.  He said that bundling them together and creating an overarching Moana Auckland brand creates a platform the marine sector can use to promote the industry.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is the Council progressing with Te Tāruke ā Tāwhiri, Auckland's Climate Plan? In the three years since it was ratified, we've had Covid, a change in council, and now a change of government. Will it survive and how much progress has been made? We check in with its architects, councillor Richard Hills, chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks committee; and Parin Rafei-Thompson, head of climate innovation and sustainability at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.

No money means Aucklanders will likely have little to no events to look forward to beyond next year.   Auckland Unlimited has revealed to the council that no major events are confirmed in the city beyond August 2024 due to a lack of funding.  Events Director Richard Clarke told Mike Hosking that it's as bad as it sounds.   He says their Covid recovery funding from the central government expires at the end of next year.    Clarke says their last funded event is Fashion Week next August.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A plea for whoever's in Government next month to address the worrying state of the events sector in Auckland.    Auckland Unlimited has revealed to the council that no major events are confirmed in the city beyond August next year due to a lack of funding.  Heart of the City Chief Executive Viv Beck told Tim Dower that it's a major international city, so this needs to be resolved.   She says there's a big opportunity coming up for the incoming Government to really look at the whole funding mechanism for Auckland.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spain may have won the FIFA Women's World Cup, but it looks like New Zealand has also done well out of it. The Spanish have had a fast rise to the top of women's football, beating England 1-nil in last night's final in Sydney. The tournament was shared by Australia and New Zealand. More than 340,000 fans packed through the gates of Eden Park to catch the Auckland games, and more than 85,000 went to the city's fan festival. Auckland Unlimited Arts, Entertainment, and Events Director, Richard Clarke, told Mike Hosking that all the fans have boosted the local economy. He says hotel occupancy was up 50% on last year, and more people equals more spending. Games were also played in Hamilton, Wellington, and Dunedin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Its been revealed flood damage to Auckland's iconic Western Springs stadium will cost millions to repair and the outdoor concert venue will be closed until at least early next year, for serious patch up work. A closer inspection of the home of speedway, the Ponsonby Rugby Club and many a mosh pit, shows the Auckland anniversary floods have inflicted serious and complex damage to the venue, with the ground still moving. That means future bookings are off when cash strapped Auckland council can least afford it. Stadiums Director for the council's events arm, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, James Parkinson explains the extent of the damage to Lisa Owen. 

The Auckland Council has confirmed more than 500 job losses across the organisation, and there could be 200 more once the Council's Budget is finalised next month. Last week Auckland Council chief executive Jim Stabback announced 160 jobs would be lost across multiple areas. This alongside about 200 jobs at the council's entertainment and economic development agency, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and a further 150 jobs at Auckland Transport. Jim Stabback says more cuts will come, but he says the size of the restructure will be decided by councillors. Mr Stabback says the council has an obligation to deliver services to ratepayers as efficiently as possible. He says the cuts to date will have had a minimal impact on Aucklanders. But he says the nature of council services will change over time, and while some roles face the axe, some areas of council business may see an increasing number of staff. The chief executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Nick Hill, declined an interview with RNZ, but in a statement he says he informed staff in a video call yesterday. The job cuts will save about $37.5 million, and the organisation will start consulting with affected staff in mid-June. Nick Hill says the cuts aren't a reflection of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited's work, but of the worsening financial situation facing Auckland Council.

With Auckland's Council set to slash its budget, the city's cash-strapped economic development agency is making its case for funding by boasting about the benefits it created in the past six months. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited says events it helped bring to the city in the six months to February, including the Rugby World Cup, created a near $40 million economic boost for the region, $13.7 million more than the same period in 2019. Despite that success, the events calendar is bare from next year, with the agency saying it doesn't have the funding to bid for big events. Its arts, entertainment and events director Richard Clarke spoke to Corin Dann.  

A play about a worm that almost never saw the light of day, is about to premiere in Tamaki Makarau. It comes from the vivid imaginations of father and son Peter and Carl Bland, and it's the latest production by the boundary-pushing NIGHTSONG company. THE WORM is Nightsong's first foray into theatre aimed at families - their previous plays include Mr Redlight, Te Po, 360, and Head. Ben Crowder is directing THE WORM after securing a cast that includes Dave Fane, whose not long off the TV show Our Flag Means Death. It's a free show, after the company successfully applied to the Local Activation Fund which is administered by Auckland Unlimited. Ben Crowder - THE WORM premieres on the 30th of June at the Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre in Auckland.

Auckland's being told to start a campaign to bring back workers, visitors and students back to the city. A global expert in revitalising cities after the pandemic says Auckland needs to catch up. Hundreds of business and civic leaders met in Auckland today to discuss the city's future at an event hosted by the economic development agency Auckland Unlimited. Reporter Amy Williams was there.

The failure of Auckland Council and the Government to see eye to eye is being blamed for some of the city's problems. An Auckland University report suggests an overhaul of the city's governance and funding. It's the work of the university's think tank, Ko Tu, and says Auckland is being impeded from reaching its potential by fragmented decision-making, funding processes and lack of joined up vision. Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive Nick Hill told Mike Hosking the Government makes decisions based on what it thinks is important, but the council doesn't agree with everything. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Explore Tāmaki Makaurau voucher programme has been a shot in the arm for struggling Auckland businesses. It's a scheme where you sign up for a voucher to spend on Auckland activities, and registrations are closing today. More than 220,000 Aucklanders have registered, with 53,000 vouchers used so far.  Auckland Unlimited investment and industry director Pam Ford told Kate Hawkesby three and a half million dollars' worth of vouchers have been spent, and more than a hundred businesses have benefited. LISTEN ABOVE 

The Explore Tāmaki Makaurau voucher programme has been a shot in the arm for struggling Auckland businesses. It's a scheme where you sign up for a voucher to spend on Auckland activities, and registrations are closing today. More than 220,000 Aucklanders have registered, with 53,000 vouchers used so far.  Auckland Unlimited investment and industry director Pam Ford told Kate Hawkesby three and a half million dollars' worth of vouchers have been spent, and more than a hundred businesses have benefited. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's business leaders are warning more city businesses will close for good if the city doesn't move to orange in a fortnight. Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill says the calamity - as he and others see it - is as much about uncertainty as loss of economic opportunity. He spoke to Corin Dann.

Auckland's business leaders are warning more city businesses will close for good if the city doesn't move to orange in a fortnight. Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill says the calamity - as he and others see it - is as much about uncertainty as loss of economic opportunity. He spoke to Corin Dann.

Auckland hospitality providers are "crushed" to be left out of the city's reactivation budget.  The Government, Auckland Council and Auckland Unlimited have put together a $37.5 million fund to revitalise the city.  It includes a $12-million voucher programme for discounts on commercial attractions and public facilities - but not hospitality.  Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois says they knew a programme was on the way - but only discovered today they weren't involved. She told Heather du Plessis-Allan they actually proposed the idea to the government about 18 months ago."It does feel like a bit of a slap in the face." LISTEN ABOVE 

Auckland hospitality providers are "crushed" to be left out of the city's reactivation budget.  The Government, Auckland Council and Auckland Unlimited have put together a $37.5 million fund to revitalise the city.  It includes a $12-million voucher programme for discounts on commercial attractions and public facilities - but not hospitality.  Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois says they knew a programme was on the way - but only discovered today they weren't involved. She told Heather du Plessis-Allan they actually proposed the idea to the government about 18 months ago."It does feel like a bit of a slap in the face." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Figures from Auckland Council suggest the slight easing of Level 3 restrictions has had little impact on consumer spending in the supercity. Businesses have told the Council they've exhausted every avenue to stay afloat, and there are projections the nine-week lockdown has cost the economy $5 billion. Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill spoke to Corin Dann.

Figures from Auckland Council suggest the slight easing of Level 3 restrictions has had little impact on consumer spending in the supercity. Businesses have told the Council they've exhausted every avenue to stay afloat, and there are projections the nine-week lockdown has cost the economy $5 billion. Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill spoke to Corin Dann.

Auckland businesses are struggling under Alert Level 4 - and there are fears some won't survive the city's fifth lockdown. Nick Hill, the chief executive of economic development agency Auckland Unlimited, says the city is once again taking a big economic hit - but support isn't as forthcoming this time. He spoke to our reporter Sarah Robson.

The New Zealand economy was left $293 million worse off from hosting the 36th America's Cup, an official cost-benefit report has revealed today.Three government-commissioned reports released this afternoon identify a string of factors, including Covid-19, a lack of challenging syndicates and overly high public investment generated "significant deficits" for Auckland and New Zealand.Auckland's economy alone was left with a financial deficit of $146m following the event - with a financial return of 72 cents back for every dollar put in.The reports say when "unpriced social, cultural or environmental effects" are taken into account, the return to the Auckland economy was 85 cents for every dollar spent, and 79 cents in the dollar to New Zealand - that would bring the loss to $156m.Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill pointed to several positives of the event - including the most-watched America's Cup of all time, with a total global audience of 941 million people."Record numbers of people tuned in from around the world to watch the AC75s fly across the Waitemata, and New Zealanders came out in the tens of thousands to show their support. Those images will remain in people's minds for years to come, and we look forward to welcoming these visitors back when our borders allow."Auckland Council revealed today its spend on the event was $92m higher than had previously been made public because it had brought forward spending on already planned works. The council says bringing the work forward will result in future savings of $67m.Council had previously stated its investment in AC36 was $113m - but today those costs were revealed to be $215.2m."To ensure the safe and successful delivery of the 36th America's Cup, the Auckland Council group invested $215.2 million over four years across operating and capital expenditure," a statement from council's tourism CCO Auckland Unlimited said."This included $106 million spent on the development of key event infrastructure, and $14 million spent on city operations aspects such as transport services, crowd management and security, marketing and promotion and supporting peripheral events through the Summernova Festival."The $92 million in fast-tracked council work included the removal of tanks in the Wynyard Quarter, upgrades to toilets, new biosecurity signage, extensions of CCTV and the relocation of SeaLink."While ultimately Tamaki Makaurau Auckland Aotearoa New Zealand were fortunate to be able to stage a safe and successful event during a global pandemic, it became clear early on that the event would be unlikely to return the investment made," the report, said."Fewer international challengers than originally forecast and the subsequent impact of Covid-19, including international border restrictions, has contributed to the event not being able to realise the expected return."Another report - The 36th America's Cup Impact Evaluation, which was independently conducted by Fresh Info - identified two main broad drivers that led to a benefit-cost ratio of 0.48 for New Zealand, meaning a loss of $292.7m.The first driver was lower than projected levels of expenditure by foreign entities and visitors. Only having three Challengers rather than the projected eight included in the original projection was significant."The analysis indicates that each Challenger spent around $30 million in New Zealand, on average, so an additional five Challengers would have injected around $150 million into the Auckland and New Zealand economies."Only 35 per cent of this expenditure would be considered a 'net benefit', so an additional five Challengers would have increased the net benefit by around $53 million."And while Covid-19 disrupted international travel at a critical time for the event, it is likely that international visitor numbers (including superyachts) would have been lower than projected in the absence of Covid-19 due to the lower-than-expected number of challengers."Auckland...

The Elemental Festival begins tomorrow night and Richard Clarke from Auckland Unlimited takes Karyn through the programme of art, food, music, and activities from bars and restaurants to theatres and public spaces across the Auckland region.

Thousands of Pacific workers in Auckland are to be given the opportunity to upskill for free while at work. Registrations open today for firms wanting to take part in what is officially titled the Auckland Pacific Skills Shift Initiative. Pacific people will make up about a third of Auckland's working age population by 2050, but are also at most at risk of losing their job. To tackle this, the city's economic and cultural agency - Auckland Unlimited - has been given $8 million by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. They want to train 3500 people over four years. Sleepyhead took part in the pilot - 80 percent of workers in its factory are Pacific people. Its manager of people and culture, Rebecca Phillips, told reporter Amy Williams 10 people are due to finish the course soon.

Thousands of Pacific workers in Auckland are to be given the opportunity to upskill for free while at work. Registrations open today for firms wanting to take part in what is officially titled the Auckland Pacific Skills Shift Initiative. Pacific people will make up about a third of Auckland's working age population by 2050, but are also at most at risk of losing their job. To tackle this, the city's economic and cultural agency - Auckland Unlimited - has been given $8 million by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. They want to train 3500 people over four years. Sleepyhead took part in the pilot - 80 percent of workers in its factory are Pacific people. Its manager of people and culture, Rebecca Phillips, told reporter Amy Williams 10 people are due to finish the course soon.

Officials are confident that the America's Cup event has sold Auckland as a tourist location once borders reopen.40,000 people showed up to Auckland's Viaduct to cheer on Team New Zealand today, on top of the thousands that have passed through during the Christmas and Prada Cup events.ATEED General Manager Steve Armitage told Heather du Plessis-Allan that there is a high chance"They have seen we are largely out there living life as normal. By and large, we've been able to deliver the event in as a free a state as possible."He says this will "quite easily" be the most viewed America's Cup event in history. Team New Zealand have requested that a parade is not thrown in their honour, as has been tradition in the past, but Armitage says the celebrations marking the victory are on the same level of a celebratory parade."We've had a free event for three months where people have been able to come down and see the action for themselves, so there have been plenty of opportunities."LISTEN ABOVE

"I didn't write politically conscious songs or songs that talked about the skin colour of my first child. I didn't write those things, saying, I'm going to change the world and this is how I'm going to do it. I wrote those songs, because that's the way that I felt, like everything that I do with my music. There's not a disconnection, and it's just a focus on 'how can I market and get my music out'. I write my music the way that I feel. And that's all it is. Because my music is an expression of how I feel as a distinction. It's not a commodity to be packaged up. And that's what was happening when I was 19, when 'role model' was put on me as a label. The media and the industry infrastructure were trying to craft me into the person that they thought that I should be because I was a brown woman, I was rapping writing my own songs." Teremoana Rapley currently works as a senior creative economy advisor for the New Zealand local government cultural and economic development agency, Auckland Unlimited. She is a stalwart of the music industry as an award winning singer songwriter. She stepped into the industry at the age of 14 with the politically conscious rap group Upper Hutt Posse and was inducted into New Zealand's Music Hall of Fame in 2018. She has worked in indigenous broadcasting for over two decades gaining over 3000 production credits as an executive producer and many production roles. Teremoana has worked in a community action and development space for the past 30 years with her latest co-created social change initiative focussing on intergenerational and intercultural place-based community building using the arts as the connector.

I have come full circle with my love of the America's Cup.There is no other competition like it right?I'm always on board when we're racing – whether it goes our way or not. Like so many New Zealander's, when it comes to the actual competition I'm there. Full support.I also become an expert at foiling, which to be honest I know little about.Okay so maybe yesterday's first two races of the Prada Cup Final where a little underwhelming; but most of the time it's thrilling, unpredictable and dangerous as crews attempts to control these technical AC75 beasts in our fickle winds.The great thing about the America's Cup these days is it's not huge time commitment, which means it's easy to make it appointment viewing, although yesterday I missed both the starts, and the starts are where you get to see the best sailors in the world strut their stuff.At some point during an America's Cup campaign however I lose interest. It's got nothing to do with the action on the water. I lose interest when questions about the America's Cup event management hit the news, when high court action is threatened over graphics and undertaken to keep news organisations from publishing details of a leaked confidential draft report. I lose interest when the rules are constantly changed. Honestly google rule changes American's Cup 2021, there's a list.And let's not forget the course selection drama of October 2020.This is a game played like few others, and it seems anything goes as long as it's in the best interest of the team.While I call it a game, it's not really. It's a business, an expensive business that requires partnerships and sponsorship's to make it work, and if it's going to continue to grow and increase in popularity it needs more than 4 teams to enter.That's why I wasn't surprised this week when the latest America's Cup leak revealed Team New Zealand had commissioned a major London based sports consultancy to run a world wide selection process aimed at finding a host for the 2023 or 2024 America's Cup Event.If Team New Zealand retains the Cup, Auckland will not necessarily be the host city.According to Grant Dalton, Covid-19 and the lost revenue from this year's tournament was the driver behind the move to look overseas because the team needed to find a way to come up with the money needed to compete again. Once again, team first.Commentators, the Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and other personalities around Auckland spoke out about how due to Covid, New Zealand hasn't been able to get a return on its investment.Hindsight is a wonderful thing. I would think that if we're committing $250 million of local and central government money to this event, someone would have thought to put a clause in the agreement stating Auckland had first dibs on the next event if Team New Zealand won it.But of course we have to win it first.And that's why I'm no longer interested in the machinations of this turbulent event. At the end of the day much of the infrastructure that's been put in place for the Cup was always going to be done, it's just been done quicker. It's been more painful for Aucklanders but it should be complete soon, so let's take that as a win.Over 200,000 people have visited Auckland's waterfront to watch the sailing since racing started in December. It's not the numbers we were expecting - but it's better than nothing.Viewing numbers have been impressive too it's been reported that preliminary international viewing statistics provided to Auckland Unlimited show around 100 million people watched the four days of December racing, about 25 per cent of the total viewership of the whole of AC35, the previous cup in Bermuda. That's not so bad for New Zealand either.So from now on, I'm going to take a cue from the fearless, talented sailors on these boats, and stay out of the messy squabbles. There's bound to be more but I'll focus on the racing, and just enjoy the tournament while it's here.