A laid-back yet steely approach to sealing the deal is keeping business booming in the City of Sails, finds Chris Pritchard
It’s 3pm on a Friday and, with the weekend in sight, I’m distracted by the splendid vista through the office windows – Auckland harbour spanned by its iconic steel bridge, under which yachts bob on calm water. New Zealand’s biggest metropolis is known as the City of Sails, and Greater Auckland boasts more boats per capita than anywhere in the world – Westhaven Marina, at downtown’s edge, has 2,000 of them.
I was once told that in Auckland, if you’re not invited on to the harbour you’re being snubbed and won’t land a deal. I’m reassured that this is glib exaggeration, but in any case I’m in luck – my associate suggests that after our meeting we take his boat to Waiheke Island.
Only a 35-minute journey from the marina (ferries also run frequently throughout the day), Waiheke is the most accessible isle in the Hauraki Gulf. Formerly a glorious backwater, in the past decade it has been transformed into a scenic (and expensive) suburbia – thriving vineyards slope to the sea, and an arts-and-crafts alternative lifestyle community coexists with well-heeled young urban professionals.
Graeme Osborne, chief executive of Tourism Auckland, says: “Auckland ticks all the boxes for business – big-city infrastructure and high-end hotels against the backdrop of a superb natural setting, top-flight golf courses, plenty of quality vineyards, islands to explore, year-round events and abundant top restaurants.”
Most of New Zealand’s business is done in Auckland, while Wellington is its political capital. Last year, human resources and financial services consultancy Mercer ranked Auckland fourth among world cities for lifestyle, tying with Vancouver, while the World Bank named New Zealand the third-easiest country to do business in.
Home to one in three of the country’s 4.4 million people, Auckland hosts people from more than 180 ethnic backgrounds. The population is about 60 percent European in origin, while 14 percent are from the South Pacific islands and 11 percent are indigenous Maori, with much of the balance being Asian. It is also the world’s largest Polynesian city.
As Stephen Cavanagh, investment manager at Auckland City Council’s economic development group, says, the workforce is educated: “Some 30 percent of adults have bachelor or postgraduate degrees here. Almost all live within an hour’s travel of downtown, and wages are competitive.”
Tourism, the country’s top export industry, successfully markets a “clean, green” image. This is followed by dairy products and wool, while selling education to foreign students is another big activity. China is the fastest-growing export market, and the manufacturing sector makes diverse consumer goods for the home market and Pacific Island countries. The service sector is also important, as is finance, particularly banking and insurance.
Ross Peat, acting chairman of Auckland Plus, Auckland Regional Council’s business development agency, notes the city is poised to “sharpen resources in specialist business sectors such as biotechnology, film, media, food, wine, information technology and marine construction.” It’s often said that New Zealand punches well above its weight in business, sport, science and the arts.
The city’s high-rise downtown – dominated by the 328-metre-high Sky Tower, which offers a revolving restaurant, viewing level and bungee-jumping – is an easily negotiated grid of offices, hotels, theatres, cinemas, shopping malls, pubs and restaurants. At its edge, an easy stroll from many hotels, is the Viaduct harbour entertainment precinct, home to more eateries and bars. The city hosts a rich literary and music scene, with a decent selection of museums and art galleries.
Despite all these distractions, Aucklanders work hard and mean business. Informality may be the norm – jackets come off fast during boardroom discussions, and first names are quickly used – but they drive hard bargains.
“Auckland has changed dramatically – it’s really grown up,” says Rob McIntyre, regional general manager for Accor, who recently returned home after five years in London. “It has become one of the Pacific’s key business destinations but hasn’t lost its natural charm. It’s energetic yet relaxed, and the restaurant scene has never been more dynamic.” Accor is the country’s biggest hotel chain, with its Pullman, Novotel, All Seasons, Mercure and Ibis brands represented in the city.
Apart from messing about in boats, the locals’ other great passion is rugby – prepare for some small talk about the game while you’re sized up by new associates. From September 9 to October 23 this year, New Zealand will host the Rugby World Cup, the third-largest sporting event after the Olympics and FIFA World Cup.
As the existing infrastructure and stadiums are good – developments and hotels mushroomed when the city held the 1999-2000 America’s Cup – major construction projects have been largely unnecessary. One venue to get an upgrade is the country’s largest stadium, Eden Park, which has been expanded to hold 60,000 spectators. It is also popular for conferences and exhibitions, holding 1,500 delegates theatre-style and for cocktails.
Cup games will take place across the country and up to 85,000 foreign visitors are set to arrive. Hotels expect to be full, although it should still be possible to get a room – hoteliers don’t forecast astronomical prices either. Still, bear in mind if you are planning a visit that most business decisions will be made outside this period. Also note that domestic travel will be strong, with airline seats harder to find. Officials say advance sales are ahead of those for last year’s World Cup in South Africa and India’s Commonwealth Games, and more than 860,000 tickets have already been snapped up.
Those flying in will find the newly revamped Auckland International airport spiffily efficient. Both the domestic and international terminals have received major upgrades, with works being completed at the end of last year. In 2008 a new pier was added to the international terminal, with two gates capable of accommodating the Airbus 380, and there is potential to add 10 more gates.
Local business travellers argue about whether it is better to fly to London via Asia or the US. Air New Zealand enjoys a sound reputation but the airport is also served by Australian, Asian, European, Middle Eastern, North American, South American and Pacific Island carriers – giving you numerous options for getting to the City of Sails.
WHERE TO STAY
HILTON
A gleaming white finger at the tip of a wharf poking 300 metres into Auckland harbour, this 165-room property is minimalist in décor, with unrivalled views from guestrooms and the Bellini bar. Bedrooms come with wired/wifi internet costing NZ$29 (US$23) for 24 hours.
Princes Wharf, 147 Quay Street; tel +64 9978 2000; hilton.co.uk
Rooms from NZ$268 (US$212)
LANGHAM
This 411-room former Sheraton became a Langham property in 2005. On the edge of downtown, a 10-minute walk down Queen Street, it’s the city’s most opulent big hotel and is where political leaders and celebrities often stay. Rooms ooze good taste and are decorated in muted shades of grey, fawn and burgundy. Wired internet is NZ$30 (US$24) for 24 hours. Chuan spa is lauded as the city’s best, while the food and drink outlets range from casual to formal.
83 Symonds Street;
tel +64 9379 5132; langhamhotels.co.nz
Rooms from NZ$293 (US$228)
MERCURE
Set amid city offices but only two blocks from the Viaduct, the Mercure’s location wins strong business loyalty. Partly refurbished last year, its 189 rooms are large and offer wired internet access for NZ$30 (US$24) per 24 hours.
8 Customs Street;
tel +64 9377 8920; mercure.com
Rooms from NZ$89 (US$70)
MOLLIES
A Relais and Châteaux member, the 13-suite Mollies is one of the city’s quirkiest properties. The sound of opera wafts through the public areas and evening recitals are often held. Many of the staff are accomplished singers and often burst into song. Business services include free wifi access throughout, and it’s five minutes by cab to downtown.
6 Tweed Street, St Mary’s Bay;
tel +64 9376 3489; mollies.co.nz
Rooms from NZ$690 (US$546)
SKYCITY GRAND
One of two hotels at the Skycity casino complex, beneath the landmark Sky Tower, the 316-room Skycity Grand attracts top-end business visitors. Contemporary in style, its busy food and beverage outlets include the excellent Dine by Peter Gordon. Rooms have harbour or city views and offer wired internet at NZ$30 (US$23.7) for 24 hours.
90 Federal Street; tel +64 9363 7000; skycityauckland.co.nz
Rooms from NZ$200 (US$158)
WHERE TO EAT
Add 12.5 percent goods-and-services tax to prices quoted. New Zealand wines start from about NZ$38 (US$30) a bottle at restaurants, but for business entertaining aim for NZ$50 (US$40) and above.
ANTOINE’S
Long-established but still arguably Auckland’s best for impressing, French eatery Antoine’s occupies a timber house in trendy Parnell, a five-minute taxi ride from downtown – ring the doorbell to be admitted. Service is hushed and professional, the tables are well spaced, and private rooms are available. Meat-eaters should try the grilled New Zealand venison.
333 Parnell Road; tel +64 9379 8756; antoinesrestaurant.co.nz
About NZ$150 (US$119) a head, including some drinks
EURO
Alongside the Viaduct, Euro is modern with an extensive list of wines and beers, both domestic and foreign. The menu showcases local lamb and beef (try the eye fillet in whisky and pepper) as well as seafood. There are harbour views, and nooks and crannies for more intimate gatherings.
Shed 22, Princes Wharf;
tel +64 9309 9866; eurobar.co.nz
About NZ$150 (US$119) a head, including drinks
Vue restaurant and attica bar
On the top floor of the Mercure, this popular venue (formerly known as Vertigo, and freshly refurbished) has modern, minimalist looks and wow-factor harbour views that impress even the locals. It serves modern European cuisine, with a large selection of New Zealand wines.
8 Customs Street;
tel +64 9306 0591; mercure.com
About NZ$90 (US$71) per head, including drinks.
FRENCH CAFE
A favourite of city business leaders, this eatery’s Gallic style is spiked with Pacific Rim influences (similar to Californian but spicier). The seared duck breast is superb, and there is a courtyard in warmer weather. It’s located close to the Langham hotel and Upper Queen Street on the edge of downtown.
210 Symonds Street;
tel +64 9377 1911; thefrenchcafe.co.nz
About NZ$240 (US$190) a head, including drinks
SAILS
Local associates say this is one of New Zealand’s best seafood eateries. A five-minute taxi from downtown, overlooking Westhaven Marina’s bobbing yachts, it’s a spot-on choice for business entertaining. Though big and busy, service is quick and cheerful. Order the Northland scallops, followed by Akaroa salmon.
103-113 Westhaven Drive;
tel +64 9378 9890; sailsrestaurant.co.nz
About NZ$170 (US$134.5) a head, including drinks
