We talk to Steve Armitage about Hospitality in the Auckland City Centre
In this episode, we speak to Steve Armitage, Chief Executive of Hospitality NZ and former GM Destination of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, now Tataki Auckland Unlimited.
Steve has overseen the economic development aspects of many of Auckland’s major events, including the Cricket World Cup, 36th America’s World Cup, FIFA Women’s World cup and Rugby World Cup, and with this experience, he touches on the how important it is to keep Auckland visible on the world stage.
However, he says hospitality is all about human connection – we have great diversity and vibrancy in Auckland, and our quality built environment and improving accessibility supports that- but people still need an occasion, celebration or event to bring them into the city.
With 24 of the Top 50 Metro eateries in the city centre, Steve outlines how he believes Auckland can become a must-see international destination.
(0:00) Introduction
(1:15) The State of Auckland Hospitality
(3:23) Planning for Changes in the Sector
(5:25) How Events Affect Auckland
(7:52) Hospitality's Role in the Economy
(10:27) How Auckland Hospitality Compares
(13:26) How Auckland can Improve
(17:01) Delivering on Promises
(21:18) Interest in the International Convention Centre
(23:33) The Need for Strong Leadership
(25:14) Farewell
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25:33
We talk to Patrick Reynolds about shaping Auckland City Centre
In this episode, we speak to Patrick Reynolds, Deputy Chair of the Auckland City Centre Advisory Panel, Director of Greater Auckland, and former board member of Waka Kotahi NZTA. Patrick is popularly known for his architectural photography and celebrated for his active role in urban issues especially transport in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Patrick talks about the origin of the Auckland city centre and the role of transport in shaping our economic and cultural centre from the mid twentieth century until now. He explains that there is a critical difference between a central business district and a true city centre.
His advice to mayors and ministers is that we have begun doing many of the right things, but we need to do more to make Auckland’s economic and cultural centre internationally competitive.
(0:00) Introducing Patrick Reynolds
(1:48) Accelerating the booming city centre?
(3:59) Making the city centre more attractive
(7:53) Making a city centre for all Aucklanders
(9:23) Mass transit alternatives
(12:58) Balancing place and movement
(15:29) Aesthetics of the city centre
(16:35) The impact of intentional planning
(20:56) Impatient optimism
(23:07) Wrapping up
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23:31
We talk to Simon Wilson about Auckland City Centre
In this episode, Rory Palmer chats with Simon Wilson - award-winning senior writer for The Herald, and author of the 'Love This City' weekly newsletter.
This episode covers, among other things, the interplay between private and public sectors in transforming a city - the 'sweet spot' between disruption and progress - as well as Simon's favourite parts of the city. All this and much more besides. Listen here.
(0:00) Introduction
(0:37) How the City Centre is doing now
(1:31) The direction of the City Centre
(2:29) City Centre public realm
(3:41) The City Rail Link
(6:51) Favourite projects investing in the City Centre
(11:04) The changing face of the City Centre
(12:48) Filling buildings in the City Centre
(15:27) Council's role
(20:40) Cycling through the city
(21:05) Aucklanders' appetite for further change
(22:56) Disruption as a result of growth
(24:26) The City Centre economy
(26:31) Thing you do in the City Centre
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28:08
We talk with Kristen Webster and Duncan Munro
Eke Panuku is advancing the practice of deconstructing, rather than demolishing, buildings and infrastructure in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland. “Deconstruction” sees materials repurposed for other projects – reducing the financial and environmental costs of both waste to landfill and new materials production. The benefits of the Eke Panuku approach are broad and surprising, while the costs are comparable to traditional demolish and dump approaches.
This episode of A City of Neighbourhoods interviews Kristen Webster and Duncan Munroe who are corporate responsibility experts within Eke Panuku. Kristen and Duncan explain why deconstruction should be the first option considered when it’s time to remove old buildings and infrastructure.
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13:21
We Talk With Oliver Ferrick - Director Of Glasgow Contractors
In this episode, we talk with Oliver Ferrick, a Civil engineer from Glasgow Contractors, about his restoration work on Papa ki Awataha Jessie Tonar Scout Reserve.
He chats to Rory Palmer about the unique challenges of the upgrade and how important it was to support the initial mahi Kaipātiki Project had achieved in the area.
Oliver emphasised how much he enjoyed the stakeholder engagement aspects of the project, including sharing stories with passionate locals, some who even looked after the irrigation of plants at the weekends.
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