Rupert Hodson Speaks at First Business Event at the NZICC
Committee for Auckland Executive Director Rupert Hodson was pleased to speak at Te Panapana, the first official business event held at the newly opened New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC).
Hosted by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) in partnership with the NZICC, Te Panapana marked a significant milestone for Auckland, bringing together business leaders, the business events sector, and civic leadership to explore how Auckland’s newest economic asset can support growth, connection, and long term prosperity.
Held on Monday 16 February, the event reflected the energy and momentum of Tāmaki Makaurau, creating space for discussion, shared insight, and first hand experience of the NZICC as it opens its doors to opportunity and business success.
Auckland’s new economic engine
Rupert participated in a business panel titled Auckland’s New Economic Engine: What NZICC Unlocks for the City and New Zealand, alongside:
- Simon Bridges, Chief Executive, Auckland Business Chamber
- Viv Beck, Chief Executive, Heart of the City
- Alan McDonald, Head of Advocacy, Strategy and Finance, Employers and Manufacturers Association
The panel explored how the NZICC will integrate with Auckland’s existing and future infrastructure to support business growth, attract international events, and strengthen Auckland’s role in the global economy. Discussion highlighted the catalytic role major convention centres play in cities around the world, not only as venues, but as drivers of economic activity, international connectivity, and urban vitality.
The conversation reinforced the importance of alignment between business, government, and the business events sector to maximise the long term economic and social value of the NZICC for Auckland and New Zealand.
A landmark moment for Auckland
As the first business event held at the NZICC, Te Panapana represented more than the opening of a new venue. It signalled Auckland’s readiness to re engage at scale with the global business events market and to leverage this world class facility as part of a broader, coordinated approach to economic growth.
Committee for Auckland extends its thanks to Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) for organising Te Panapana and for the opportunity for Rupert Hodson to contribute to this important conversation. We also acknowledge all those who attended and helped mark this landmark moment for Auckland and for New Zealand’s business events landscape.
