A Word from New Chief Executive, Viv Beck

It’s been a great start in my new role at Heart of the City. My early weeks have been spent getting to know our team and the work we do, meeting as many people as possible and learning about the projects planned to transform the city centre in the coming years. Thank you to those who have taken time to meet me and share your views. I’m conscious there are many others I have yet to meet and I’d like to find opportunities to do so as soon as possible.

Our members are at the heart of what we do to champion a successful city centre for business and your views are important for us to do a great job on your behalf. We’ve been thinking about how we can work with you most effectively through an active time ahead and you’ll hear more from us about this.

While I am quite new to Auckland, I’ve been a regular traveller to the city over many years. The transformation in recent years has been significant and the city centre has a stronger heart now, with so much more to see and do. There are more people coming in to the city, with retail spend up, prime office vacancies down, and new restaurants, shops and other businesses opening. The city also looks different, with new precincts, heritage buildings restored, street upgrades and revamped public spaces.

There is a lot more that can and must be done. There is growing recognition that if Auckland city is successful, this is good for the rest of the region and for New Zealand. We all have a role to play and I look forward to working with you to ensure a vibrant and successful city centre that is good for business and a great place to live, work and visit. Please feel free to contact me on 09 379 8000 or viv@hotcity.co.nz