$89k spent to entertain Ateed guests

The Auckland Council’s economic growth agency spent $89,000 showing off the city — and all its potential — to clients last year. The Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (Ateed) group yesterday released figures showing the money it spent on entertainment costs for January through to December 2017.

The costs generally relate to business-related non-travel expenses.

“Because our key economic development priorities such as attracting business and investment and growing multiple components of the visitor economy require Ateed to grow relationships with a range of partners — including multi-national companies and international investors considering projects in Auckland, tourism agencies and business or major event organisers — staff are sometimes required to undertake hosting as part of their role or hold external meetings with key stakeholders.

“Staff are also regularly called upon to help Auckland leverage the economic development opportunities provided by the region’s investment in a portfolio of major events,” a statement said.

“This involves hosting guests from overseas or around New Zealand and showcasing Auckland’s business capability and destination assets.”

In January, $7356 was spent on guests, made up of multi-national companies or international investors.

The later months proved less expensive, with $2338 spent in October and just over $2500 in November.

Christmas time was the least expensive, with the entertainment/ hosting bill $2034 in December.

The most expensive month last year was in June, when $25,580 was spent on entertainment expenses.

Most of the costs that month related to hosting international business visitors as part of the leveraging of the DHL New Zealand Lions Series.

Ateed chief executive Nick Hill said corporate hosting was a vital part of growing connections with partners and potential investors. He said China was one of Auckland’s most crucial export markets for a range of sectors — including food and beverage, tourism and screen.

Hosting was a big part of demonstrating respect and intent to do with business in the Chinese culture.

Hill confirmed Ateed had hosted investors and entrepreneurs who had gone on to make significant investments in Auckland, including one which would be worth more than $200 million to the regional economy.

The total spent on entertainment last year was about 0.17 per cent of Ateed’s annual budget. Poems Eat Up New Zealand