Board game role for city landmarks
It is the most expensive street on the board, but it’s worth every penny.
A search has begun to find out which location should take the prestigious dark blue position in a new edition of Monopoly.
Over the years the position, which can rake in thousands of dollars for a player if an opponent lands on it, has held the names of London’s Mayfair and Atlantic City’s Boardwalk – but now it’s Wellington’s turn.
Representatives from popular board game Monopoly have announced it is launching a Wellington edition, which will hit shelves in November.
However, before the dice is rolled, Monopoly fans will have a chance to say what properties they would like to see on the board.
The two most popular properties will replace the hotlycontested Mayfair and Park Lane positions from the original London Monopoly board.
Lester nominated Te Whanganui-a-tara (Wellington Harbour) as the best prospect for the top spot on the board.
‘‘I was an avid player of Monopoly as a young child – it’s fair to say Monopoly did more for financial literacy in my household than perhaps 13 years of schooling – and it set me on a path towards business,’’ Lester said.
‘‘I have to say as a kid as well, I distinctly recall when New Zealand Monopoly and seeing for the first time streets across the country ... and just being proud that my town had made it to the Monopoly board in replacing some of those London icons.’’
Winning Moves will manufacture the official Wellington version of Monopoly under licence from Hasbro.
Winning Moves managing director Reid Herbert said all 22 free property squares would be named by the public vote.
No money would change hands to secure a spot, he said. ‘‘You couldn’t pay us to put it on there, but you could certainly work with Mr Monopoly and try and convince him to put it on there.’’
Herbert was looking forward to receiving input from ‘‘fans far and wide, so we can ensure Wellington Monopoly is a true reflection of all that we love about the capital’’, he said.
The game will include Wellington themed ‘‘Community Chest’’ and ‘‘Chance’’ playing cards.
Wellingtonians have until August 15 to have their say through the official Facebook page.
An Auckland version of Monopoly was launched in 2013. There is also a New Zealand edition.