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Finally, some good news about traffic in Auckland. Simon Wilson sings the praises of the new spots in Shortland St. Credit where it’s due. The council has put big beige spots on Shortland St at the intersections with High St and O’Connell St and it’s...

If you operate a business that targets international tourism markets, you may be interested in Auckland Airport’s Tourism Development Grants.  The initiative provides seed funding for new international tourism products. This year there are two $50,...

We know that begging is an issue that many people have strong opinions about and we would like to know more about what you think. So, we are about to undertake some research with our members about begging in the city centre and how it is...

Recent construction in the city centre has affected some Heart of the City members and we have a key role in seeking action to minimise the negative effects of construction on business. Last week we sent members a link to a survey to help us assess the...

Heart of the City is very pleased that the City Rail Link team has established a new role intended to bring fresh thinking and a creative approach to looking after Albert St during CRL construction.  Catherine Edmeades has been appointed the new...

Heart of the City is calling on Auckland Council not to treat business rate payers as easy targets in its drive to save costs. In 2013, Auckland Council decided to reduce the rates differential between businesses and residential properties over a period...

We know that begging is an issue that many people have strong opinions about and we would like to know more about what you think. So, we are undertaking some research with our members about begging in the city centre and how it is affecting business....

Heart of the City continued to raise concerns about the Council’s proposals to pause the reduction in the business rate and to introduce a targeted rate on accommodation providers right up until Council made its final decision on its draft annual plan on...

The government and Auckland Council have announced a two-year study of congestion charging. OK, but why aren’t they trying to fix the city’s transport crisis right now? It’s not that hard, you know, writes Simon Wilson. The government and council have...

Freyberg Place and Ellen Melville Centre have re-opened to the public in September 2017 after undergoing extensive refurbishment, resuming their role as a community hub for the High Street District. The outdoor square and Ellen Melville Centre's indoor...

Auckland Transport and Auckland Council are continuing in their efforts to create an ever more vibrant city centre, with more improvements planned for Federal Street.   There are two distinct but connected projects afoot; firstly some...

Concepts have been released for the new square for Lower Queen Street in front of Britomart train station, which will be completed as part of the City Rail Link works.   Attractive public spaces like this are essential in making ...

The results are in for this year's Restaurant Month, and we are happy to report that once again it was a success for the city and for the businesses involved. Spending at participating restaurants, over a 100, was up $1.5 million compared...

An international social leadership programme with over 200,000 participants in 54 countries is coming to Auckland. Splice is inviting city centre business owners and workers to join this movement with intercultural dialogue and community-led social...

Take a look at this inspiring new video outlining the renewed vision for the City Centre and waterfront. The vision draws on the many and varied ways the city centre is quite so important for people in the rest of Auckland and New Zealand -...

We’ve seen really positive results for the city centre over the past few months in the key performance areas we measure, showing that the city economy is performing well and that people continue to be attracted by what the city has to offer. Our own...

Restaurant teams made the most of the city's celebration of their industry with enticing and informative social media content promoting their Restaurant Month involvement. Odettes Eatery were recognised for sharing the most mouthwatering visual...

Five new hotels are due to open in Auckland’s city centre by the end of next year, with a further eight set to come online in the next few years. These developments are further to the openings of refurbished and rebranded sites we’ve seen recently: ...

At the Heart of the City AGM last week, Murray Crane and Celia Hay were elected to the Heart of the City Executive Committee - we welcome them warmly.  Murray Crane has worked for 30 years in the High Street District, the last 20 spent steering his...

Our AGM last week officially closed the book on the 2016/17 year, so we have been reflecting on the work we have done and the results delivered on behalf of our members and the city centre community. We are pleased to share these highlight...

For the Love of Bees – A City Bee Collaboration, a community artwork and environmental project that imagines Auckland as the safest city in the world for bees, is opening its doors to city centre workers as the perfect team building exercise. Their...

We promote the city centre year-round through our extensive channels and run a series of annual marketing campaigns and events that profile the key reasons people visit the city centre - retail, dining, arts and culture. Next up after Christmas...

Christmas is an important time for business, so each year we decorate the city to create a festive environment and run a marketing campaign promoting the city centre as the best place for gift shopping and Christmas celebrations. Get...

This piece by Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck was published in the NZ Herald on 6 November 2017. Plans released by Ports of Auckland last week respond to issues that have been raised by the public, which on one level is positive. They have served...

Below is a link to a short survey (it will only take around 8 minutes of your time) asking questions about your views on the city centre and how you use it during this time of rapid change. We would like to hear from a range of people who spend time in...

Many city centre businesses, property owners and their suppliers face challenges with loading and servicing, a critical part of doing business and maintaining a successful city centre. In a recent survey undertaken with the support...

Lime scooters and shared electric vehicles may be having a moment, but nothing beats a good old bicycle as an easy, affordable and eco friendly way to get around - especially when it comes to traveling to and from work.  More people cycling to work...

Our waterfront is one of Auckland's best assets, its potential is significant. We're really concerned that we don't yet have a fully joined up plan for the wider waterfront, and we highlighted this in the NZ Herald recently. We believe...

Designs have been released for the upgrade of Federal Street between Wellesley Street and Mayoral Drive, and you can give feedback on the plans until 10 December. This second stage of the Federal Street upgrade project follows on from the...

On 23 November, Auckland Council considered the proposed locations for the America's Cup on the city centre waterfront. Our CEO, Viv Beck presented in public forum, asking Councillors to ensure the event will create a great legacy for our...

Works on the initial stages of the City Rail Link are well underway at Britomart Station, Commercial Bay and in Albert Street, with works progressing up towards the future Aotea Station next year as the project works towards its target completion...

This summer brings a number of exciting local and international events to Auckland's city centre and surrounds.  Events bring visitors to the city and create benefits for businesses and the wider city. Our city's Major Events Strategy, administered...

In the past year, the number of businesses in the heart of Auckland city has grown by 2.2%, bringing the total to almost 12,0001. Why have all of these businesses chosen to be here? Although factors in this decision will be as varied as the...

As part of the process to adopt Auckland's new Long Term Plan, council's ten-year budget for 2018 - 2028, last week Phil Goff released his Mayoral Proposal, which outlines his priority areas for the budget. What are the key features of...

This piece by Simon Wilson was published on The Spinoff on 12 December 2017, and was made possible by Heart of the City. This month, Auckland Council discusses the priorities for spending from 2018 – 2018 ahead of public consultation early in 2018 and...

As we head into the summer and festive season, ensuring the city centre remains a vibrant, enjoyable and safe place for people is top of mind. Here’s a reminder about who to contact if you have any concerns about safety in the city this summer.  If...