Why Tākina and Convention Centres Matter for New Zealand's Economic and Social Future

As New Zealand’s cities continue to grow and evolve, convention centres like Wellington’s Tākina are increasingly being viewed through a skeptical lens. We've heard the term "white elephant" thrown around many times before—large infrastructure projects that seem costly and under-utilised. It’s a criticism that even our Prime Minister Christopher Luxon referenced yesterday in his speech at the Local Government New Zealand Conference. As someone who has worked in the business events and tourism sector for near two decades, I firmly believe that this perspective misses the bigger picture.

Convention Centres as Economic Engines

Let’s start with the numbers. The business events sector in New Zealand is valued at over NZD $400 million annually (KONGRES Magazine), and this is no small change. What regularly goes unnoticed is how these events inject vital cash flow into local economies—through accommodation, dining, attractions, entertainment, and transportation. Convention delegates typically spend more per day than your average tourist, and that money goes directly into supporting local businesses.

For Wellington, Tākina isn't just a building; it’s a revenue generator for the city. Whether it's international conferences, trade shows, or local events, the economic impact ripples across the entire community. And this isn’t just theoretical—the data consistently shows that business event attendees spend significantly more than traditional leisure tourists, benefiting sectors far beyond just hospitality.

Building Global Reputations

Convention centres also serve as gateways for cities to enhance their global standing. Hosting international conferences helps to elevate Wellington’s profile on the world stage. When thought leaders, innovators, and businesses converge in our cities, they don’t just leave behind their dollars—they leave behind ideas, partnerships, talent, and sometimes, future investments. Cities like Quebec City, Reykjavik, and Ljubljana, all similar in size to Wellington, have used their convention centres to create a reputation as world-class destinations for business events.

And it's not just about economics. Business events promote professional intellectual exchange and collaboration in critical fields such as healthcare, science, technology, and education. These events help foster innovation and growth in sectors that are vital to our future.

Anchors for Urban Growth

Beyond the immediate economic gains, convention centres are often catalysts for urban revitalisation. Tākina, strategically located in the heart of Wellington, is part of a broader transformation, helping to rejuvenate surrounding areas with new hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and improving public transport. The centre also serves a dual purpose—while its primary function is hosting large conventions, it can also be a space for tradeshows, concerts community gatherings, cultural activities, and more. This multi-use approach ensures the venue remains a valuable asset year-round, contributing to both the local economy and social fabric.

Sustainability and Future-Proofing Business Events

We are now at a pivotal moment in New Zealand, with the opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland set for 2025. This is a prime opportunity for us to future-proof our economy. Far from being a "white elephant," these centres are critical infrastructure that will allow us to compete in the global market for high-value international events. Moreover, many convention centres are evolving to meet sustainability goals. Cities like Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown are already integrating carbon-zero goals into their business events strategy, aligning city economic growth with environmental responsibility.

A Call for Support for Convention Centres

New Zealand’s business events infrastructure is not just a series of buildings—it’s a network that powers our economy, enriches our communities, and places us on the global stage. As professionals in the tourism and events sectors, and as business leaders, we must support the growth and utilisation of these centres. Tākina and the upcoming NZICC in Auckland are investments in our future. With strategic planning and engagement, these centres can drive long-term economic growth, foster innovation, and contribute to the social well-being of our cities.

So, please let's rethink the narrative. These convention centres aren’t white elephants—they are pillars of opportunity for New Zealand, enabling us to build stronger connections, drive international collaboration, and position ourselves as a key player in the global business events sector.