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Latest spending figures released today by Heart of the City confirm a loss of nearly $750 million of consumer spending since the first border closure in February 2020, which equates to an average of $560,000 per business. This includes around $294M in...

Treasury asked to consider ‘COVID Loans’ as businesses increasingly desperate for more support Given the severe impact of Auckland’s ongoing lockdown, Heart of the City wants to see sustainable and targeted financial support for business. It has asked...

Heart of the City has today released the loss of consumer spending in the Level 4 lockdown in the centre of Auckland city – $110 million*. With an average of about $85,000 per customer-facing business, action is needed now to avert a greater fallout in...

In what might seem an unexpected pairing, Viv Beck and Ariana Paul are joining forces to shine a light on problems with the way Wellington is engaging with Auckland and seek urgent action to avert major fallout across the city.  “Lack of...

A Message from the Ministry of Health As part of the Ministry of Health’s targeted approach to COVID-19 testing in Auckland, businesses permitted to operate in higher alert levels are being requested to take part in the testing of their workforce...

Heart of the City was expecting to see a much stronger roadmap to lead Auckland’s recovery from 29 weeks of restrictions since the start of 2020.  The new rules announced today are confusing and will be a slow, painful path for many and more...

Heart of the City is calling for mandatory digital passports to provide certainty for business and ensure the city centre’s position is secured. The city centre has the greatest concentration of businesses in New Zealand and consumer-facing businesses...

Auckland business groups, representing tens of thousands of businesses, want Government to act on their calls to confirm financial support for Auckland during level 2 for qualifying businesses:          ...

Heart of the City is calling on the Government to deliver a clear roadmap with timeframes that make sense and enable businesses to get moving. They also want to see an easy to repay loan initiative that has been presented to Treasury considered. “...

With growing case numbers and a rush to get vaccination numbers up, Heart of the City wants to see businesses involved in setting a clear pathway and timeframes to give certainty and hope for impacted businesses. Heart of the City is proposing a way...

Auckland Council has released a video and information on the Midtown programme. It takes a coordinated approach to the redevelopment of the midtown of the city centre over the next five years, with many projects planned to be completed to...

The Ministry of Health provides regular updates as they roll out free COVID-19 vaccinations across New Zealand on their official website and social media platforms. You can keep up to date with them here. Below is a round-up of the latest...

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,...

  Auckland Council and Auckland Transport are finalising plans to ensure the station’s entrances on Victoria Street and Wellesley Street are welcoming and accessible for the thousands of passengers that will use them every day. This is...

Auckland’s city centre is on track to hit $1 Billion loss in consumer spending* before it reaches the new red trading level.  Action to avert an even more devastating loss of livelihoods and support the wellbeing of thousands of hardworking people...

Heart of the City businesses are reaching the $1billion mark in lost revenue since the start of the pandemic last year. We have come together with other Auckland business associations to request action to allow businesses to open for safe trading again...

Artweek 2021 in the Heart of the City is back, temporarily transforming streets, laneways and public spaces with installations and artworks that create vibrancy and a sense of community. From installations in our favourite laneways to guided walks...

Heart of the City has been busy preparing the city centre for shoppers to return to the city this week, and there’s more than just a hint of festive to go with the much-awaited retail therapy.  What’s possibly New Zealand’s biggest bauble is...

Heart of the City is pleased to see retail businesses reopening in the city centre on Wednesday. However, with so much at stake, Government needs to set out a clear plan for recovery beyond the Red level. Viv Beck, Chief Executive, Heart of the...

The Government recently announced that the Business Support Package for Auckland includes:  Advice and planning support, Implementation for that advice, and Health and wellbeing support. Auckland partners and the Government are working to...

Heart of the City has set out the announcement it would like to hear from the Prime Minister on Monday. “This announcement is essential to show Auckland businesses their needs have been heard and to give them confidence that they will be supported as we...

A successful city centre is one where goods can be delivered easily and efficiently. As the city continues to evolve and grow and technology shifts towards greener solutions, loading and servicing practices need to adapt to meet these changes. ...

We have received a number of responses from IRD on how they can support Businesses during COVID and these are outined below. Please contact IRD if you need support.  • Write-off penalties, interest incurred due to hardship or reduced cashflow....

Hospitality in Auckland is one of the hardest-hit industries due to COVID 19 and it needs support. Every Coffee Counts is a joint initiative between us and other Auckland business associations - Newmarket, Parnell, Ponsonby, Takapuna and Uptown....

Orders are now closed for Christmas window decals All things going well with COVID levels, we're planning for Christmas in the Heart of the City to be better than ever this year. We'll provide an overview of what's planned soon, but in the...

Business and sector groups representing thousands of small to medium businesses across the Auckland Region, met with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday in downtown Auckland in an ongoing discussion with Government about supporting businesses and...

Gino Demeer In December the city centre lights up with the magic and wonder of Christmas with decorations in the streets and laneways, live music, Christmas shopping, waterside catch ups and much more.  The headline attraction...

Heart of the City members are invited to join us to look back on our past year of activity, hear what we have planned for the year ahead and look after our annual governance requirements - including the election of our Executive Committee (...

Please find Heart of the City’s feedback on the draft designs for the Wellesley Street Bus Improvements and Te Hā Noa Victoria Linear Park. Overall The redevelopment of Victoria and Wellesley Streets presents a significant opportunity to support...

Heart of the City provided feedback to Auckland Council on their updated plans for the Waihorotiu Queen Street project in October 2021. In summary, Heart of the City (HOTC) wants to see a beautiful and well-functioning Queen Street – one that is...

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...