It takes two to deliver

Auckland ratepayers are paying millions and employing about 45 staff to run two convention businesses — Auckland Conventions, run by RFA, and the Auckland Convention Bureau, run by Ateed.

On paper, the two organisations are delivering. Over the past five years, Ateed boss Brett O’Riley says, the bureau has secured $ 130 million of business events, including 61 events worth $ 54m to the city in the past financial year.

Auckland Council’s deputy finance committee chair, Desley Simpson, says it will be better to have one business.

But the council- controlled organisations argue they fulfil complementary roles.

Auckland Conventions manages and delivers events across RFA’s venues, including the Aotea Centre, ANZ Viaduct Events Centre and Bruce Mason Centre. It employs 35 permanent and one casual staff member.

The Auckland Convention Bureau has a broader role to attract conference and business events to grow Auckland’s economy, and it helps 116 members access Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme.

Its membership includes RFA and SkyCity. It employs 10 staff and has budgeted to spend $ 2.2m this financial year

A SkyCity spokesman says the Auckland Convention Bureau and Tourism New Zealand have secured four conferences for the new international convention centre under construction.

The conferences, including the World Veterinary Association, will generate 15,000 bed nights and $ 11m in economic benefit, the spokesman says.