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Heart of the City is Auckland’s central city business association. We represent the interest of businesses and property owners in Auckland’s city centre, which has been disproportionally hit by the impact of COVID-19. This has placed a burden on many as...

INTRODUCTION Heart of the City (HOTC) is the business association for Auckland’s city centre and we represent the interests of businesses and property owners.  We are committed to the growth and success of the city centre as a vibrant, accessible,...

Heart of the City has a clear message for Government in advance of Cabinet’s decision on Monday.  Auckland must shift to at least Orange and impacted businesses need ongoing financial support. Aucklanders have been out enjoying the city since it...

The city centre will light up with the magic and wonder of Christmas this December as Heart of the City brings the ‘Christmas Festival’ to Auckland with experiences for all to enjoy. From a spectacular light show to world-class shopping and hospitality...

Recognising that the city centre is facing significant challenges because of COVID -19, there is a coordinated and collaborative approach to supporting its recovery. As well as the ongoing public space transformation programme ...

To help stimulate the local Auckland economy, the Government has announced The  Reactivating Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Support Package. It totals $25.5 million and has been put together by Auckland Council and Auckland Unlimited. The package aims to...

This year's Christmas Windows competition saw retailers go above and beyond to bring a festive feel to their storefronts. Collectively, they have made a valuable contribution to the heart of the city, raising spirits and drawing in customers during an...

Businesses impacted by City Rail Link construction have been left disillusioned as a Hardship Fund set up to support them fails to deliver.   On the eve of Christmas, the Minister of Transport has advised that there will be no further discussion...

With a Light Rail announcement imminent, there’s been no response from the Government for a request from Heart of the City for an independent review of the City Rail Link Hardship Fund criteria, made prior to Christmas. Viv Beck, Chief Executive of...

Today’s light rail announcement is significant for Auckland and, if done well, could bring major benefits for the city in the future.  However, the devil is in the detail of this project, including the cost and management, including how business...

At the worst time in the pandemic for Auckland’s city centre, Heart of the City says the delay with sustainable financial support is inexcusable as this situation was anticipated.  Heart of the City’s latest spending results show the severity of...

15 February 2022 Dear Minister, Between us, we represent thousands of central Auckland businesses who just want to get through this pandemic with their teams intact. It would be fair to say that most don’t want to have to ask Government for a...

Financial support announced for COVID-19 impacted businesses is welcomed but Heart of the City fears it won’t be enough for city centre businesses who have been disproportionality hit by COVID-19. January alone in the Heart of the City - already a quiet...

We have been avid supporters of the development of HomeGround and are thrilled that it is now open. HomeGround has been built to assist in solving chronic homelessness in Auckland with purpose-built housing and a social services facility for some of our...

It's easy to see the ongoing transformation of the heart of the city from the street with new commercial buildings at various stages of completion. But what’s going on inside? We’re seeing new office spaces catering for the shifting needs of employees...

Registration for Restaurant Month 2021 has now closed. To find out more about what's on and where to dine this August, go to heartofthecity.co.nz/restaurant-month Calling all city centre restaurants – Join us for Restaurant Month in the Heart...

We are thrilled to announce that our Street Guardians programme has received a Highly Commended award at the Mayoral Conservation Awards 2021 – in the Collaboration category - recognising the contribution it makes towards...

We all have a role to play in helping our city get back on its feet. Our city and town centres, our local economies, need support. We’re all learning to navigate the uncertainty of COVID, but don’t underestimate how important you are in...

March 8th marks International Women’s Day, and with a city centre filled with so many incredible women, we think they deserve to be recognised.  Below is a photo gallery outlining some of their stories and the reasons they love the heart of...

The news that international tourists can return to the Heart of the City from midnight 12 April is a huge relief - as will be a hopeful move away from all restrictions very soon - but more help is needed for city centre businesses to ensure they can...

The move away from the use of restrictions and an increase in indoor capacity is welcomed today but it’s a blow for the city centre whose hope were pinned on certainty around a move away from red – bringing with it a return of major indoor events, the...

Heart of the City is disappointed that certainty hasn’t been given today, with no date for a move to Orange and no extension of targeted assistance for impacted businesses, but momentum for recovery must continue. Viv Beck, Chief Executive, Heart of the...

We've collaborated with other central Auckland business associations to create a digital campaign reminding people of all the benefits of being back in the office - from real lunch dates, team work (not home work) and water cooler...

After more than 30 weeks of restrictions since August, it’s time to give Auckland’s businesses a fair go and confirm Orange on Monday, along with the extension of COVID support payments for those who need it. Heart of the City’s Chief Executive Viv...

The news of a shift to Orange tonight is great news for Auckland’s city centre – signalling the welcome return of major indoor events, dancing and importantly more workers back to the city centre. To celebrate, Heart of the City will be hitting the...

1 - 31 May 2022 Applications are now closed. After a successful first year in 2021, we’re bringing back our ‘Cheap & Cheerful Eats’ campaign. This will showcase appealing food and drink offers from city centre cafés, bars and restaurants....

Communications from Auckland Transport: This provides notification of exploratory works in April and May 2022 to locate underground services, such as electricity, gas, and communications, in Victoria Street between Elliott Street and Kitchener Street (...

City of Colour is a new initiative coming to the city centre this May. It will showcase over 50 vibrant art and lighting installations across the city centre and K' Road - forming an immersive trail to encourage people to come back...

Auckland Council is asking for feedback on potential changes to the way development could happen across Auckland, including the city centre, as a result of rules set out under the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD). The NPS-UD...

City of Colour is co-curated by Angus Muir Design and Barbara Holloway of Auckland Council. It’s delivered in partnership with Auckland Council and Heart of the City and has been realised through the support and participation of a number of...

Over 90 heart of the city cafes bars and eateries are serving up budget-friendly menus rich in flavour for Cheap and Cheerful Eats, running the month of May. Along with an increase in participants from the inaugural campaign, foodies can...

City of Colour will be bringing magic and light to the city centre 6 – 22 May. Featuring over 50 artworks, installations and lightworks from Quay Street to Karangahape Road, it’s a great opportunity for people to get back out and explore the...