NZH Venue 2017 by NZME.

A New Zealand Herald Commercial Publication

28 March, 2017

MEETINGS • INCENTIVES • CONVENTIONS • EVENTS

AUSTRALIA'S TOP NEW VENUES THE GOOD LIFE Retreats that motivate

THE BUSINESS 0F BLEISURE Travelling in style

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Looking for the perfect place to host your next private event or function? Good Group Hospitality has four premium venues located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD & Viaduct and have an impressive selection of private dining rooms and spaces available to host your next event. Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill and Botswana Butchery are located in the historic Ferry Building on Quay St and newly opened White+Wong’s and Sardine are also located on the water’s edge in the Viaduct harbour. Whether you’re looking to book a cocktail party, post-work gathering, celebratory function, conference, business meeting, wedding or private dining event, our team can create a package that will meet your every need. With different cuisine offerings and menus at each venue, all masterfully created by our talented team of chefs we’re sure we’ll be able to satisfy the taste buds of your guests with service to match to ensure a memorable and successful event. Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill Email juliet.broom@goodgroup.co.nz or auckland@harbourside.co or phone 09 307 0556 Botswana Butchery Email auckland@botswana.co.nz or phone 09 307 6966 White+Wong’s Email auckland@whiteandwongs.co.nz or phone 09 379 6914 Sardine Email auckland@sardine.co.nz or phone 09 302 1947

VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

VENUE

CONTENTS 4-5

TOP AUSTRALIAN VENUES

6-7

THE GOOD LIFE

Retreats that remotivate

THE SUNSHINE COAST

Share the magic

PERTH

The Swan City

HUNTER VALLEY

Wine Country rewards

KANGAROO ISLAND

A zoo without fences

12-13

WAKE ME WHEN WE GET THERE

The business of Bleisure

14-15

SPOTLIGHT ON NEW ZEALAND’S NEW VENUES

16-17

QUEENSTOWN

Conference city

18-19

INDUSTRY UPDATE

20-21

MATAMATA’S MIDDLE EARTH

TARANAKI The secret’s out

Editor’s note W

elcome to the third issue of Venue – a magazine which happily blurs the line between business and pleasure. Today forward-thinking companies are rewarding their best and brightest with travel and experiences. They realise reward and incentive trips are a great opportunity to build and bond the team. Of course that’s also good for the bottom-line. Recent studies suggest a 10 per cent year-on-year growth for companies that use incentives compared to 3 per cent for those who don't. In this issue we’re delighted to partner with Tourism Australia to highlight some of the very best destinations and activities on offer across the Tasman. Whether it’s an incentive, a reward or a conference – the facilities, venues and operators are there to ensure it’s an unforgettable trip. Spas, private islands, nature experiences, team building, mountain adventures, fine-dining – the only difficulty will be in narrowing the options. Locally, too, we’re upping our game. We explore some of the exciting new conference venues which are popping up all over the country in response to the rapid growth in the sector. And in Wake Me When We Get There, we look at the new generation of business class travel – whether it’s sleep, entertainment, fine-dining or a chat at the bar – the smart airlines have it covered. Just get used to turning left as you enter the plane. Greg Fleming venue@nzme.co.nz Venue is an NZME. Custom Publication Editor: Greg Fleming. Advertising: Sandy Kilgour – sandy.kilgour@nzme.co.nz. Contributing writers: Kris Madden, Tiana Templeman, Greg Fleming, Amanda Fifield, Ewan McDonald. Design: Suzanne Denmead. Cover: Seaplane heading to One&Only Hayman Island. Contact: Please do get in touch – our next issue publishes in August, venue@nzme.co.nz

From conferences to gala dinners and small meetings to dream weddings, Karaka Pavilion has the space and flexibility to create and host your ideal event. Two full service bars, numerous break-out spaces and plenty of parking, just 35 minutes from central Auckland and 20 minutes from Auckland Airport, are just a few of the added bonuses that come with hosting your event at Karaka Pavilion.

10 Hinau Road • Karaka • Auckland

www.karakapavilion.co.nz

VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

INCENTIVES – AUSTRALIA

DISCOVER SOME OF AUSTRALIA’S Whether you want to dine overlooking one of Brisbane’s most famous landmarks, escape to the wine country in Adelaide, or revel in Melbourne’s immaculately accessorised fashion district, the following venues offer a unique setting for your next business event. By Tiana Templeman

Fred's

Otto

Stokehouse

ROOFTOP AT QT, MELBOURNE

FRED’S, SYDNEY

howcasing views of the spectacular Melbourne city skyline, The Rooftop at QT is the perfect destination for a sizzling summer soirée. With space for up to 185 guests, the split indoor/outdoor space evokes glamour and passion, accompanied by a cutting edge soundtrack of new disco and house tunes. Hand crafted cocktails are a specialty with the likes of the QT Rooftop G&T, featuring elderflower quinine syrup and cucumber sparkling water, offering a twist on classic favourites. The innovative drinks menu also features local wines, house made tonics and shared cocktails. To accompany the cocktail selection, The Rooftop at QT serves moreish bar bites, including minced Thai beef on toast, with green chilli, sweet basil and sambal, scotch quail eggs wrapped in Wagyu beef and mortadella, and polenta crumbed onion rings with squid ink mayo. Guests can gather in groups on contemporary outdoor furniture amidst a colour palette of olive green, red and matte black or head indoors to network with colleagues at the long, lavish bar. qthotelsandresorts.com/melbourne/ eat-drink/rooftop-at-qt

H a rd

y's Verandah

red’s Head Chef Danielle Alvarez believes food can bring people together. “I don’t think we communicate with each other as well as we used to. I like to use food as a way to counteract that.” Her philosophy is reflected in the 50 seat dining room, a cosy place accented with heavy linens, old timbers, candles and vintage breadboards, that lends itself to lively conversation and good times. Fred’s features some of Australia’s best produce, such as heirloom vegetables from the Blue Mountains, juicy dry-aged T-bone and oysters plucked fresh from the sea. Chef Alvarez also makes her own bread, butter, pasta and charcuterie. With a focus on elevating perfect produce using oldworld food preparation techniques such as cooking on a wood-fired hearth and freestanding Tuscan grills, this Paddington restaurant lets the ingredients inform the menu. Groups can opt for a bespoke multi-course or degustation menu, with individual wines matched to each course. Sip vintages from the 120-strong list as you pass around share plates of beef tartare with Vietnamese coriander, chilli and kaffir lime or wild kingfish sashimi. Mains are sophisticated yet rustic, with dishes such as Moorlands lamb served with roasted heirloom tomatoes or a contemporary take on chicken Maryland. Crowd pleasing desserts such as macadamia meringue with strawberry sorbet and rose crème and rich chocolate pot de crème, served with poached cherries, provide a sweet finish. merivale.com.au/freds

VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

MOST EXCITING NEW VENUES

HARDY’S VERANDAH, ADELAIDE HILLS

ardy’s Verandah is located at Mount Lofty House, a heritage building with a legendary reputation for socialising and entertaining. Built by parliamentarian Arthur Hardy in 1852, the stately venue was renowned for Gatsby-esque parties where anything could happen (and quite often did). These days the architecturally stunning building is widely regarded as one of South Australia’s top dining rooms. Hardy’s Verandah is presided over by acclaimed chef Wayne Brown, who honed his skills in the hatted and Michelin star kitchens of acclaimed Australian and international restaurants such as Quay in Sydney and Waku Ghin in Singapore. The only thing rivalling the breathtaking country views is his accomplished degustation menus featuring dishes such as pepper glazed marron and the sweet and sour buzz of soured plum, custard crème and citrus wizz fizz. Groups can dine in historic cellars, the original dining room or verandah rooms overlooking the valley, complete with an open fire. With stately surrounds overlooking rolling green hills and produce plucked from an on-site farm, it is hard to believe Hardy’s Verandah is just 15 minutes from the Adelaide CBD. hardysverandahrestaurant.com.au

"Groups can dine in historic cellars, the original dining room or verandah rooms overlooking the valley, complete with an open fire."

OTTO, BRISBANE

STOKEHOUSE, MELBOURNE

tto takes river city views to new heights with polished service and a menu that celebrates southern Italian cuisine. Overlooking the Story Bridge and historic copper dome of Customs House, this sleek restaurant looks to the past while keeping an eye firmly on the future. Hot pink spinning Les Danseueses woven felt fans which originally featured in Venice’s biennale highlight the dining room which features materials such as slatted timber walls and gleaming naval brass – a nod to Brisbane’s history as a bustling river port. Here you will find classic Italian fare such as gnocchi with braised rabbit and zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta and pecorino sitting comfortably alongside more contemporary dishes like black and white long pasta tossed with Moreton Bay Bugs, cherry tomatoes, chilli and basil. For something more substantial, there is an outstanding Byron Bay Berkshire pork cutlet or Great Southern lamb rump, beautifully cooked over coals, served with smoked eggplant and caponata. Opt for an intimate dinner in the private dining room for up to 30 guests or book out the whole restaurant which seats 90, the choice is yours. Just make sure you leave room for a traditional yet elegant Italian dessert. ottoristorante.com.au/brisbane

t is a dramatic arrival as you stroll along St Kilda Beach and arrive at the entrance to Stokehouse, Melbourne, one of the city’s most iconic dining spots. With a dramatic gap between the top of the sand dune and the main restaurant, it appears this famous beachside venue is floating above the beach. Walk upstairs and take time to enjoy the stunning ocean view. Secluded from the main dining room and located at the southern end of the building, the Palm Room offers a sense of privacy for intimate bespoke dinners for groups of up to 40 guests. Admire the view and sip watermelon martinis or a refreshing glass of frozè (frozen rose wine) before sitting down for dinner, with a choice of four dishes for each course, such as Cape Grim beef tartare with black garlic emulsion and toasted buckwheat, Happy Valley porchetta with lemon myrtle dashi and The Bombe, a frozen white chocolate parfait served with strawberry sorbet and crispy toasted meringue. Fresh from a multi-million dollar reimagining, this restaurant encapsulates the concept of elegant beachside chic. stokehouse.com.au ●

VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

INCENTIVES – AUSTRALIA

THE GOOD LIFE Want to reward and re-motivate top performers? With its coral reefs, tropical rainforests, mineral springs and first-class health retreats – Australia’s business events destinations are sure to give your team a well-earned boost

VICTORIA’S SPA COUNTRY

nown by Australian Aborigines as a place of healing; Victoria’s Daylesford is known as ‘Australia’s Spa Country’, and home to the largest number of natural mineral water springs in the country. Combine relaxation with fresh regional produce and you have the perfect recipe for revitalising your team’s energy. The 33 country-style rooms of Lake House look over Lake Daylesford and are set on six acres of native bird-filled orchards and gentle walking tracks which lead down to the lake shore and the nearby Wombat State Forest. The regions’ famous mineral springs bubble up right on Lake House’s doorstep, and its Salus Spa is regarded as one of the best in the region. Lake House is also considered one of Australia’s best restaurants, with co-owner, Alla Wolf-Tasker, championing regional seasonal cuisine long

The Lake House

MOUNTAIN HIGHS

f you’re looking to incentivise your staff and develop them at the same time, My Adventure Group offers adventure-based team-building programs in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. Known for their extraordinary beauty, the Blue Mountains are a landscape of ancient cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and villages dotted with luxury retreats, galleries and gardens. Led by renowned Aussie adventurer James Castrission, as well as being a fun day in the outdoors, programs include rock climbing, caving, and abseiling, while tackling the ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’ we get from spending too much time indoors. They can cater for groups of up to 50 people. The former management consultant is well qualified to share his knowledge after a decade of surviving expeditions in some of the toughest environments on earth. He now applies the same

survival techniques to the business world. Along with best mate Justin Jones, he was the first person to kayak across the Tasman Sea, braving high swells and winds and severe food and sleep deprivation. Four years later they made history by completing the longest unsupported polar expedition on record, walking from the South Pole and back without assistance. His adventures have made Castrission one of Australia’s most highly sought corporate speakers. And you don’t have to be mountain climbers or marathon runners to participate, they will tailor a program based on a group’s fitness levels and appetite for adventure. Location: Two hours’ drive from Sydney. Groups can also travel to the Blue Mountains by helicopter. myadventuregroup.com.au

before it became a mantra for others. The intimate space of The Cellar can host private dinners for up to 16 guests featuring its award-winning wine list. The Terrace Room overlooks the gardens, and can cater for up to 150 seated guests or 300 cocktail-style. A new Waterfront Pavilion features glass walls that can be opened to the water and can seat up to 40 guests. Lake House can also arrange tailored team building activities, such as food foraging hunts in the surrounding countryside, cooking demonstrations and classes, bee keeping, clay pigeon shooting, trout fishing, and farm gate tours. Location: 80 minutes’ drive from Melbourne lakehouse.com.au

VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

GOLDEN DOOR TO WELLBEING

t might sound unusual to have a health retreat in a famous wine-growing region, but then again, perhaps that’s the perfect place for one. The Golden Door Health Retreat in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley, has more than two decades of experience in offering getaways for hard-working executives. Corporate wellness programs here are not designed for businesses to plan and strategise. Instead, it’s about getting the team away from the office and daily distractions, and immersing them

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays

"...it’s about getting the team away from the office and daily distractions, and immersing them in an environment that optimises their wellbeing..." One & Only Hayman Island

in an environment that optimises their wellbeing, and prepares them to perform at their peak when they return to work and their daily lives. To achieve that, flexibility and personal attention are key, so the retreat specialises in small groups of up to 16 people, and creates programs tailored to an individual groups’ needs. There are three and five night programs, where your team will eat nutritious food; engage in fun indoor and outdoor activities; and hear talks from fitness experts. There’s a heated indoor pool for laps, tennis and basketball courts, and a fullyequipped gym and cycle room. If that all sounds too energetic, group members can just relax with a massage at the Elysia Day Spa. Team exercises such as bush walks, wellness and mindfulness coaching and group tai chi lessons, will leave your group fit, focused, and stress-free in no time. Location: Two hours’ drive from Sydney. goldendoor.com.au

One & Only Hayman Island

THERE’S ONLY ONE WHITSUNDAYS

ith year-round warm temperatures, impossibly-blue seas, and one of the world’s best aquatic playgrounds, the 74 islands of the Whitsundays, in the north of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, are sure to recharge your team. One&Only Hayman Island is a natural choice, with 160-rooms overlooking the ocean or pool. Your group can wake up with sunrise yoga or a class in the gym; before engaging in many revitalising resort activities, such as team tennis; sailing an America’s Cup yacht; or flying to nearby Dent Island for a round of golf. There’s snorkelling on the reef, culinary classes, and a wide choice of pampering spa treatments, which can be tailored for small or large groups. An Entertainment Centre caters for meetings or banquets of up to 300 people, with cocktails

served on a private beach. There’s a variety of other indoor and outdoor venues and restaurants, including the resort’s signature ‘Fire’, celebrated for its impressive cellar, and which can host up to 200 guests for drinks, or dinner for 14 in the private dining room. In the ‘Enchanted Forest’ experience, 300 standing or 50 seated guests, are wined and dined in a tropical rainforest. Or you could choose to take 80 guests sailing on the Coral Sea at sunset aboard One&Only’s luxury cruiser. Location: Flight time Brisbane to Great Barrier Reef Airport is 1 hour & 40 minutes, with transfers to Hayman island by seaplane, helicopter or yacht. oneandonlyresorts.com/ one-and-only-hayman-island-australia ●

VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

INCENTIVES – AUSTRALIA

SUNSHINE COAST MAGIC With a perfect climate, fabulous food and stunning surrounds, the Sunshine Coast is naturally beautiful at any time of year. By Tiana Templeman STAY IN STYLE AT SOFITEL NOOSA PACIFIC RESORT

French sophistication meets beachside chic at Sofitel Noosa, one of the Sunshine Coast’s most famous hotels. Buildings over four storeys were restricted at Noosa not long after this hotel opened, something which makes a stay here truly unique. Views from the higher floors are superb and the bar at the hotel’s restaurant, Noosa Beach House Peter Kuruvita, is a convivial spot for a drink with colleagues. Celebrity Chef Peter Kuruvita’s restaurant frequently dips into the surrounding ocean to showcase the region’s famous seafood. Groups can enjoy an intimate dinner for up to 12 guests in the exclusive private dining room, dine under the stars by the lush lagoon pool or opt for a grand affair in the Noosa Ballroom. These venues offer seating for up to 170 guests and bespoke menus created by one of Australia’s best-known chefs. With seating for up to 200 guests, the Lily Pond Terrace offers an alfresco undercover venue for cocktail functions and group dinners, with fresh sea breezes. Accommodation at the hotel is warm and welcoming, with burnt orange accents highlighting Indigenous-inspired art which honours Noosa’s surrounding environment and connection with the Gubbi Gubbi people, the area’s traditional owners. Some rooms overlook the waters of

Wantilan Lounge, Makepeace Island

Laguna Bay, while others command views of the Noosa River, the resort pool or Noosa Village. noosabeachhousepk.com.au sofitelnoosapacificresort.com.au

SIZZLE AT THE SPIRIT HOUSE

Classes at the Spirit House Cooking School are about more than just good food. Office hierarchies dissolve when team members take turns grinding curry pastes with a mortar and pestle and status is immeasurably enhanced with fabulous knife skills. Even better, classes at the Spirit House are fun with prizes presented for skills, enthusiasm and interesting questions. Designed to be hands on, this Thai-inspired cooking school can cater for up to 18 participants at a time and has around 20 different cooking classes to choose from, with no prior culinary experience required. Hone your wok skills with a Stir Crazy session, cook Thai-inspired Dude Food or whip up tasty yum cha treats at a Dim Sum and Then Some class. After the banquet has been prepared, everyone sits down to enjoy a meal together, accompanied by fine wines, craft beers and non-alcoholic beverages. Dishes are designed to be shared, although the likes of Mooloolaba king prawn stir fry often see colleagues duelling good naturedly with forks. If your team enjoys good food and is hungry to learn, this is the perfect activity. spirithouse.com.au

DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF MAKEPEACE ISLAND

Makepeace Island is the private home of Sir Richard Branson and a sanctuary of serenity and seclusion nestled amidst Australian wilderness. Located just a few minutes upstream from Noosa by boat, the 25 acre heart-shaped island combines luxury, nature and authentic design and

is an idyllic place to escape and unwind. The Long House is home to an expansive island-themed bar which includes a games area and selection of musical instruments including piano, gamelan, bongos and didgeridoo. Stunning open plan entertaining areas complete with antiques, silk furnishings and views of the spectacular 500,000 litre lagoon pool come together with exquisite gardens, waterfall entry foyers and authentic Balinese design to create a destination like no other. Makepeace Island is one of the most exclusive and unique business events destinations in Australia, with a diverse variety of experiences to choose from. Beyond Experiences (beyondexperiences.com.au) offer a tempting menu of full-day or half-day incentive activities, including a game of golf with a pro, a luxury day spa experience or surf lesson at Noosa Beach, a food and wine tour through the spectacular Hinterland or a kombi surfing safari. Or there is the Great Beach Drive, a road trip like no other, which travels through some of the world’s most spectacular stretches of sand, National Parks and World Heritage listed areas in 4WDs. Organisers can select a number of activities for delegates to choose from or bring everyone together for a shared experience. For an unforgettable evening out on the water, guests can board Makepeace Island’s restored car ferry for an interactive dining experience. Sip signature cocktails as chefs offer an entertaining interactive cooking experience in front of guests and shuck fresh oysters as the ferry explores the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, a spectacular series of freshwater tidal parklands covering 150,000 hectares. Arriving back at Makepeace Island, the magic continues with an exclusive island experience including a standing degustation dinner prepared by Sir Richard Branson’s own chefs. makepeaceisland.com ●

Noosa National Park

VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

INCENTIVES – AUSTRALIA

THE SWAN CITY Western Australia’s capital and largest city rises around the banks of the Swan River, named for the local black swans, which have become the city of Perth’s emblem. By Kris Madden

city with coastal charm and colonial stories, Perth is the sunniest city in Australia, as well as having one of the world’s largest inner city parks. The new dining precinct Elizabeth Quay is spectacular at night when the city skyline is reflected on the river. Within half an hour of the city lies the wineries and microbreweries, arts, crafts and bushlands of the Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region. The renowned wine-growing region of Margaret River is three hours away.

STAY

CROWN TOWERS PERTH Newly opened in December 2016 overlooking Perth’s city skyline, Crown Towers Perth has brought a new level of hotel luxury and facilities to Perth. An eight-year AUD750 million redevelopment of the former Burswood International Resort Casino, has resulted in Western Australia’s only fully integrated entertainment resort. The additional 500 rooms, suites and villas bring Crown Perth’s total capacity to 1,200 rooms, making it the largest hotel complex in the city. Business events: The Crown Ballroom is one of the largest event spaces in the city, hosting up to 1,500 guests banquet-style, with an outdoor terrace for cocktails. Food and wine: Crown has some of the best restaurants in Perth by celebrated Australian chefs, including Bistro Guillaume, Rockpool, Nobu, and contemporary open-kitchen dining experience, Epicurean, along with sophisticated bars: MINQ and The Waiting Room. crowntowersperth.com.au COMO THE TREASURY When a hotel is voted second best in the world, it must be good. Perth’s 48-room boutique COMO The Treasury, received this accolade from magazine publisher Conde Nast last year. Occupying the top floors of three historic 19th century Victorian-era buildings, the hotel is part of a AUD580-million-dollar redevelopment of the city’s Cathedral Avenue precinct. Business events: Facilities include three private dining rooms, a boardroom with separate breakout room, and exclusive hire of all venues. Food and wine: The rooftop signature restaurant Wildflower serves a farm-and-forager-style menu for 80 seated guests or cocktail party for up to 120 guests. comohotels.com/thetreasury

OFFSITE VENUE

BEAUMONDE ON THE POINT FUNCTION CENTRE Set on the Perth waterfront overlooking the Swan River, Beaumonde on the Point Function Centre opened late last year as one of the city’s finest venues. Business events: The Grand Ballroom and rooftop bar can host private events for 50 to 1,000 guests. Food and wine: Showcases modern menus of West Australian seasonal produce along with Western Australian wines. thepointbarandgrill.com.au/functions

TEAM-BUILDING

CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES What better way to bond with your team than over a cold beer (or cider)? Captain Cook Cruises offers a full day ‘Craft Beer Cruise’ that takes your team down the Swan River for a walking tour of three of Fremantle’s top breweries. Captain Cook’s fleet of luxury vessels also operate a range of scenic, wine and dinner cruises. The flagship James Stirling, can cater for 225 guests banquetstyle or 330 cocktail-style. captaincookcruises.com.au SANDALFORD WINES Sandalford Wines is one of Australia’s oldest and largest family-owned winemakers. The winery has a range of function rooms and an outdoor marquee, and can cater for up to 1,000 guests. The Underground Cellar can host 400 guests cocktail-style; 250 buffet-style; or 250 banquet-style. Teams can play winemakers for the day and blend their own wine under the guidance of Sandalford’s experienced staff, leaving with a bottle of blended wine as a lasting keepsake. sandalford.com

SAILING ON THE SWAN RIVER Swan River Sailing offers exciting team building programs built around a workshop called ‘Teamwork is Everything’, held at the prestigious Royal Perth Yacht Club. Based on the winning 1983 America’s Cup team on board the yacht ‘Australia II’, the workshop is presented by Skip Lissiman, a member of the winning Australian crew. Swan River Sailing can accommodate a total of 132 people at one time for a sailing regatta. Groups are broken into teams of five to seven people per yacht. Functions can also be held at the Perth Yacht Club which can accommodate up to 400 people cocktail-style, or 2,000 on an outdoor lawn area. swanriversailing.com

ACCESS

Air New Zealand and Qantas fly direct daily from Auckland to Perth Airport with a flight time of 7.5 hours. Qantas and Emirates also have flights from Auckland via Sydney; while Air New Zealand, Qantas and Virgin Australia offer flights via Brisbane.

WHAT’S NEW

Perth has more than 8,000 rooms, with an additional 2,000 planned by 2020. The Perth Stadium, scheduled to open in 2018, will be a multi-purpose 60,000-seat venue for events including concerts, cricket, and rugby, including the Bledisloe Cup match between the New Zealand’s All Blacks and Qantas Wallabies in 2019. More info: The Perth Convention Bureau pcb.com.au ●

Elizabeth Quay

VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

INCENTIVES – AUSTRALIA

WINE COUNTRY REWARDS More cellar doors than any wine region in Australia, award-winning restaurants and tranquil spa retreats, the Hunter Valley 's the perfect destination to reward your team. By Kris Madden

olding a business event in Australia’s oldest wine region means there’s plenty of opportunity to indulge in gourmet food and wine, especially the shiraz, chardonnay and semillon blends for which the region is famous for.

STAY

CHÂTEAU ÉLAN AT THE VINTAGE With a name that means style, energy, and enthusiasm, it would be hard to go past Chateau Élan for business events. Accommodation is provided in 100 private villas and spa suites that wrap around the resort, all with balconies or terraces overlooking the fairways of the award-winning, Greg Norman designed golf course. Business events: The resort has seven function spaces, from the versatile Founders Room, which can host 330 cocktail-style and 170 banquet-style guests; to the historic stone Carriage House, accommodating 120 guests cocktail-style or 60 for dinner. Perfect your swing before a team challenge on the golf course, and later relax in one of the day spa’s treatment rooms. Transfer your VIPs by helicopter or take them on scenic flights. Food and wine: The Legends Grill at The Vintage is the resort’s signature fine dining restaurant for a dinner for up to 24 guests. chateauelan.com.au CROWNE PLAZA HUNTER VALLEY The 419-room Crowne Plaza hotel has 14 meeting spaces, the largest combining the Cabernet, Merlot, and Sauvignon rooms to seat up to 830 guests banquetstyle, and 1,750 cocktail-style. The resort is also home to a grand ballroom that caters for up to 400 people and, for even larger scale events, a marquee facility that can host up to 1,000 guests. The smaller Shiraz room can host 25 cocktail guests. A unique experience is ‘The Hunter Harvest’ where your guests can have their own exclusive country market fair with interactive cooking stations, live entertainment, wine-tasting and locally recognised chef’s sharing their favourite recipes. crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au

OFFSITE VENUES

HOPE ESTATE Set on 420 acres of rolling countryside and vineyards, Hope Estate is ideal for large or small groups. The Great Cask Hall is rich in history and atmosphere, with its soaring vaulted ceilings and enormous wine barrels lining the walls, signed by a who’s who of Hunter Valley wine legends. It’s a perfect space for medieval-style banquets, degustation dinners, masquerade balls, or wherever your imagination takes you and 180 guests.

Hunter Valley

Château Élan

The New Winery is one of the Hunter Valley’s largest venues, seating up to 1,000 guests or 1,500 cocktailstyle. Outdoors, there’s the stylish Terrace which can host up to 150 guests cocktail-style undercover, and the 45-seat Harvest Restaurant which has views over the surrounding wine country. hopeestate.com.au THE BARREL ROOM AT ROCHE ESTATE Lined with oak barrels and gold chandeliers, The Barrel Room at Roche Estate (formerly Tempus Two) is set amongst 18 acres of vineyards, and can cater for groups between 70- 280 cocktail-style. From October to March each year, the Hunter Valley features some of the biggest names in entertainment in numerous weekend concerts, which top off a great incentive reward. rocheestate.com.au

TEAM-BUILDING

HUNTER VALLEY EVENTS Hunter Valley Events can arrange team-building activities at your accommodation or offsite. They have a diverse collection of activities, such as ‘Hands-on in the Hunter’, a lively series of wine-themed games, where teams get involved in grape-stomping and grape tossing, plus wine tasting at the end of the day. Groups can also experiment

Hunter Valley Events

with blending their own wine (they’ve done this for 250 people), and designing the label; go on a guided photography or film-making tour; or cook a meal for colleagues under the leadership of a local Hunter Valley chef. huntervalleyevents.com.au ULTIMATE WINERY EXPERIENCES Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard, named after one of Australia’s early wine pioneers is one of the oldest wineries in the Hunter Valley. Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia offers the chance to meet the chief winemaker for a private behind the scenes tour of the winemaking process for up to 16 guests, followed by a helicopter flight to one of the Hunter’s finest restaurants with the winemaker. ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au

ACCESS

The Hunter Valley is approximately two hours’ drive from Sydney. Newcastle Airport, 50 minutes’ drive to the Hunter Valley, is serviced by direct daily flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and the Gold Coast. Cessnock Airport, in the heart of the region, can cater for charter flights and private aircraft. You can also fly to the Hunter Valley by helicopter from Sydney. ●

VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

INCENTIVES – AUSTRALIA Re m

ka bl

oc ks Southern Ocean Lodge

KANGAROO ISLAND:

A ZOO WITHOUT FENCES

Australia’s third largest island, is just 15 kilometres across the water from Adelaide, but feels a world away from the city. By Kris Madden

his is the place to immerse yourself in nature and wildlife: walking with sea lions lolling in the dunes at Seal Bay; swimming with the island’s resident pods of dolphins; watching Little Penguins waddling home after a day at sea; plus of course, meeting the island’s namesake kangaroos. For birders, there are around 270 species, including the rare Glossy Black Cockatoo which is only found here. KI’s extraordinary geologic formations also make an inspiring backdrop for outdoor teambuilding and events: think sunset cocktails at the aptly-named Remarkable Rocks or Admiral’s Arch; sand surfing at Little Sahara; or tramping in the wilderness of Flinders Chase National Park. Gather your group and hop on over.

STAY

SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE Perched on a clifftop overlooking the ocean and surrounded by nature, Southern Ocean Lodge is Australia’s original super-lodge, and a spectacular exclusive-use venue for incentive groups of up to 21 guests. Southern Ocean Lodge also offers a range of guided bespoke experiences, such as kayaking, food and wine expeditions to local artisan producers, and excursions to meet the wildlife at Flinders Chase National Park. Business events: The lodge’s Baudin Lounge has a 12-seat board table, however can accommodate up to 40 guests in a relaxed lounge room style. Food and wine: Savour a multi-course ‘Feast of KI’ degustation dinner in the Lodge Restaurant; take your guests for sunset drinks at the Remarkable Rocks; or a wine tasting experience with renowned local vintner. southernoceanlodge.com.au

OFFSITE VENUES

HANNAFORD & SACHS Have you ever dined inside an Enchanted Fig Tree before? Hannaford & Sachs have created a fairy tale-like setting in the gnarled boughs of a 150-year-

old fig tree planted by early Australian settlers. More than 70 years ago, Rachel Hannaford’s grandparents built a shack in the sand hills at Snelling’s Beach on Kangaroo Island’s north coast. Today, Hannaford (chef and co-founder) has incorporated her precious family recipes into her menus, and combined them with her wide experience with food cultures across the globe. The old shearing shed, which can host up to 40 guests cocktail-style, is built from sugar gum trees and corrugated iron. Up to ten guests can enjoy a private ‘enchanted’ chef-prepared dinner featuring the best of the island’s produce, while sitting in the treetop. hannafordandsachs.com.au

TEAM-BUILDING

EXCEPTIONAL KI Exceptional Kangaroo Island, offer small group luxury private four-wheel drive tours for groups of up to 24 guests, which promise good food, good wine and wildlife in the wild. They will put together an itinerary tailored to your group size, desired activity level and specific interests, whether they be history, photography, meeting local artists, birdwatching, or meeting local scientists doing conservation field work in Flinders Chase National Park. exceptionalkangarooisland.com KANGAROO ISLAND OUTDOOR ACTION Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action are experts in planning outdoor team-building packages that include quad bike tours, sand surfing or tobogganing, or river kayaking. Quad bike tours wind along native bush trails; while sand surfing is a great way for your team to experience this thrilling board sport on the massive dunes of Little Sahara. For a soothing team activity, Kangaroo Island Outdoor Action can also take your group kayaking on the Harriet River, looking out for birds and other wildlife. From two-hour adventures, to a full day of adrenaline, they can cater for groups of up to 100 people

and will create custom itineraries to suit everyone. kioutdooraction.com.au KANGAROO ISLAND SPIRITS Boutique spirit distillery, Kangaroo Island Spirits (KIS) specialises in handcrafted premium Australian spirits, including gin and vodka, made the old-fashioned way in small batches with fresh local and seasonal ingredients. They offer workshops where groups of up to 24 people can learn everything about gin and taste the different varieties, like a wine appreciation class. kispirits.com.au SURVIVOR KANGAROO ISLAND Team-building specialist Beyond the Boardroom runs a one or two-day ‘Survivor Kangaroo Island’ program with team challenges where tribes compete against each other to be the sole surviving tribe on Kangaroo Island. The program, which caters for between 16-60 people, bases the challenges on the five dysfunctions of a team, so it’s not only fun but also educates the participants on what makes a successful team and how to improve their teamwork. beyondtheboardroom.com.au KANGAROO ISLAND MARINE ADVENTURES Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures can take up to 12 people for a private half-day boat charter to snorkel with the resident pods of bottlenose dolphins that live in the waters around Kangaroo Island. Australian sealions are also seen on the tours as well as a variety of sea birds. kimarineadventures.com.au

ACCESS

Kangaroo Island is a short 30-minute flight between Adelaide Airport and Kingscote Airport. There is also a luxury high-speed ferry from Cape Jervis (approximately two hours’ drive from Adelaide) to Penneshaw with Kangaroo Island SeaLink which takes approximately 45 minutes. ●

VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

BUSINESS TRAVEL

WAKE ME WHEN WE Qa

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Turn left at the aircraft door these days, and you’re boarding a new class of long-haul travel experience. Venue finds out what the airlines are getting up to. By Amanda Fifield

hen it comes to business class, the adage ‘more is more’ definitely rings true for what travellers now expect from their airline. This means more comfort, more privacy, more choice, and more ways to communicate with those both on land as well as on-board. Let’s start with comfort. When customers speak, airlines listen. Take the Qantas flagship 787-9 Dreamliner, which is expected to arrive sometime this year, for example. Many of the cabin’s elements reflect what its customers have asked for. Now, no matter where they’re seated, every one of the 236 passengers will enjoy a cabin layout designed to maximise comfort for long haul flights. Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce says the interiors have been carefully designed with longer routes and changing passenger preferences in mind. “The Dreamliner is an aircraft built for comfort. The windows are bigger, it helps reduce jetlag, it’s extremely quiet and there’s a system that smooths out turbulence. Customers are going to love it.” There’s also more comfort when it comes to sleep; while flat beds in business class are pretty standard across carriers these days, Qantas passengers’ beds have the ability to stay reclined during both take-off and landing. So there’s really no need to take your head off the pillow other than for mealtimes. A better night’s sleep was the prime focus for United Airline’s new business class service, United Polaris, that was launched in December last year on all international long-haul routes. To tap into the booming Asia Pacific business

Emirates

travel market, where the airline anticipates corporate spending to account for half of its world total by 2025, United conducted more than 12,000 hours research with customers and employees. The single most important priority for international business class travellers emerged as: sleep. With most business passengers travelling halfway around the world on long-haul flights, they wanted a tailored experience that would maximise comfort and sleep, so they would arrive at their destination well-rested, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. And this is what United Polaris was designed to achieve, with plenty of special touches – from the sleep-focused amenities like Saks Fifth Avenue luxury bedding and Soho House & Co’s spa-quality Cowshed products, to a custom-designed, personal on-board suite with added privacy. Speaking of privacy, it’s all very well having a comfy bed, but getting a peaceful sleep can often rely on retreating into your own personal space. So alongside United Polaris’, the Qantas Business Suite on the Dreamliner also provides a high level of privacy, made all the more flexible with an adjustable divider between each seat. It’s described as the next generation of the popular seat recently installed on the Airbus A330 fleet. On the upper deck of the Emirates A380, there are a few other special features that come with the flagship double-decker’s 76 fully lie-flat Business Class seats, says Chris Lethbridge, the airline’s New Zealand regional manager. They are, in fact, more like individual compartments, he says, with their own mini-bar and storage areas.

"The single most important priority for international business class travellers emerged as: sleep."

However, just like its competitors, the Dubaibased airline doesn’t rest on its laurels, and has continued to innovate since it first started flying to New Zealand in 2009. “Despite the various attractive features already available, there will always be new wants, needs and offerings for premium class passengers, and Emirates is determined to stay ahead of the game,” he says. One of those offerings has been more choice. So, once passengers have completed that email, text or blog they may be craving a little downtime, and here’s where the technology comes in. “Emirates was a leader in providing Wi-Fi, which has been a boon for many business travellers,” says Lethbridge. “And for those who just want to chill out, there are more than 2600 channels of entertainment and information, available on digital widescreens.” After all that excitement, you’ll be ready to choose your dining options from its gourmet standard meals, with a glass of fine wine, including some of New Zealand’s best. Air New Zealand customers can also choose from a selection of award-winning New Zealand wines designed to complement each meal. Consultant chefs Peter Gordon and Michael Meredith have created exclusive Business Premier menus for the airline featuring fresh, innovative creations. Team that with luxury leather armchairs that convert to beds, all the bells and whistles in connectivity and entertainment, and you’ll be so relaxed you’ll float off the plane come arrival. But, as they say, nothing ever stays the same,

VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

GET THERE

THE BUSINESS OF ‘BLEISURE’ W

Door to door service on Virgin Australia Passengers can expect stylish, relaxing and refined travel when flying business on Virgin Australia’s B777 aircraft to Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi. “When departing out of Australia we offer complimentary limousine service transfers to and from participating airports to select Business Class guests travelling on international long haul services,” says VA’s Nicola Segal. Once on board you can stretch out in your private cocoon-like suite – which includes a fully flat bed and the convenience of direct aisle access. Request a turn down service with luxurious pillows, duvet and Julie Grbac designed pyjamas while you refresh with a Mandarina Duck amenity kit and REN Skincare products. For those travelling in pairs, VA’s centre suites provide a retractable privacy screen allowing you to enjoy the in-flight experience together. “Our Business Class out of NZ on our 737 800 was introduced in May 2015 and has been very well received in the market for the short haul flights across the Tasman and into the Pacific Islands,” says Segal. Greg Fleming

United Airlines

and the airline is constantly reviewing its offering. An Air New Zealand spokesperson explains: “While we believe our Business Premier product is well suited to the markets we fly, we are continually scrutinising every aspect of the customer experience and keeping an eye on trends to ensure we best meet the needs and expectations of our customers and deliver a world-class customer experience.” United Polaris passengers can also enjoy re-imagined dining options. These are created in partnership with chefs from The Trotter Project, a group inspired by American celebrity chef and restaurateur the late Charlie Trotter. Even before they board, passengers are able to access the exclusive United Polaris lounges, with new rest spaces and high-end pre-flight dining options. Finally, let’s talk communications, which is vital for business travellers who need to be connected wherever they are in the world. Nowadays Wi-Fi is generally a given, but it is those face-to-face interactions where friends and deals are often made. The Qantas Dreamliner has a new self-service bar in Business, as well as one in Economy, for the chance to socialise over drinks and snacks inflight. The Emirates’ A380 provides the opportunity to chat or network at 40,000 feet, alongside First Class passengers, at the rear of the top deck in the lounge bar area. Business class passengers can now take a break from the paperwork, stretch their legs and ask the dedicated bartender to mix them a cocktail, oh, and pass the canapés please. Yes, more is definitely more. ●

hile the blending of business with leisure trips is nothing new, the phenomenon is reportedly growing, along with the use of the blended buzzword ‘bleisure’ or its sister portmanteau, ‘bleasure’. Names aside, the idea is to actually enjoy yourself while you’re away on business, especially if you’ve travelled halfway around the world and don’t fancy sitting inside a conference hall the entire time before jetting back. Instead, why not spend some time enjoying your new surrounds, and at the same time recharge your batteries, learn and experience new things, and often as not ‘work’ on your team building skills with fellow colleagues and travellers. Another option: possibly reconnect with your other half or family members, if the invitation extends that far. While it does rely on having the means and professional flexibility to tack on a few days, there is a growing emphasis on bleisure and achieving more work-life balance, especially as business travel increases. Last year the BridgeStreet Global Hospitality report found 60 per cent of travellers had taken bleisure trips, with 30 per cent of those adding at least two days to their time away. They reported they’d worked more effectively, been less stressed with travel and more relaxed away from home. A whopping 94 per cent said they do it to gain cultural experiences and explore the cities they travel to, and almost 55 per cent said they had brought family members along with them. Air New Zealand is doing its bit to show the world what our country has to offer with its Regional Convention Bureau Famil Programme. Last year, the airline committed more than $100,000 to supporting the development of domestic conference and incentive business right around the country in partnership with Convention Bureaus. Breakouts into regional centres are becoming more popular as New Zealand is seen as a destination where you can work, stay and play for a week around the conference rather than simply flying in and out. United Airlines research found that in the Asia Pacific region, 56 per cent of business travellers view travel as a perk of the job, and 48 per cent said they were interested in extending business trips for leisure. This presents an enormous opportunity for the airline to offer end-to-end customer journeys, and it’s tapping into this opportunity by providing customers with customised holiday packages, assisting with planning itineraries through United Vacations, and giving members access to more than 45 United Club locations and participating Star Alliance-affiliated airport clubs worldwide.

VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

VENUES

NEW VENUES WILL INVIGORATE SECTOR Conferences are the lifeblood of New Zealand’s MICE sector and a number of impressive new venues will be ready in the next few years or have recently opened for business. By Greg Fleming

INZ Chief Executive Sue Sullivan says the new venues will “boost New Zealand’s reputation as an exciting and unique conference destination”. They are timely too as Sydney opened its impressive International Conference Centre on Darling Harbour last December. This is the largest centre of its type in the Asia Pacific region (the size of 26 Olympic swimming pools and capable of running three conferences concurrently). Today international businesses are seeking modern facilities in destinations that offer easy to access activities and experiences and New Zealand is stepping up to the challenge with a range of new or improved venues. Meanwhile work continues on Auckland’s New Zealand International Convention Centre which is expected to be completed in 2019.

CHRISTCHURCH

CHRISTCHURCH CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE Construction started in 2015 on this world-class facility and it is expected to be open in late 2019. The multi-purpose centre is already attracting attention internationally with Christchurch winning the right

Four excellent

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focused destinations

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to host the 16th World Cereal and Bread Congress in 2020. The event is expected to bring more than 600 international delegates to the proposed new Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre. It is set to follow the 67th Australasian Grain Association Conference, another win for the city bringing up to 200 delegates in September 2017, mostly from Australia. Christchurch and Canterbury Convention Bureau manager Caroline Blanchfield says these conference wins signal a surge in interest for Christchurch as a meeting destination. CINZ Chief Executive Sue Sullivan says the centre promises “a huge economic boost for the region.” “Having a purpose-designed facility in the South Island, with easy international access via Christchurch Airport, will lift help New Zealand’s profile as a great place to do business.” The key attendance drivers for convention delegates are education opportunities, networking and the destination. “We tick all the boxes here,” she says. “Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island, and a smart, future-focused city with expertise

enquire about our great value Day Delegate or Residential Packages

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Christchurch Convention Centre

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VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

to share in diverse sectors including agriculture, building technology, earth sciences, health sciences, international education, and technology.” ccec.co.nz

AUCKLAND

THE VODAFONE EVENTS CENTRE The Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau offers an arena, a theatre, a conference centre, two meeting rooms and multiple foyers and with the addition of the new Sir Noel Robinson Conference Centre's 1,200 sqm of pillarless floor space to the venue's existing 3,000 sqm exhibition and banqueting space. It will offer the country’s largest single flat floor, purpose-built conference centre. In a first for New Zealand, Vector Wero Whitewater Park has rapids running right next to the new Sir Noel Robinson Conference Centre. “People haven’t quite understood what has been developed right beside the Auckland’s Southern motorway but when they see Vector Wero Whitewater Park – they are blown away,” says Second Nature Charitable Trust CEO, Richard Jeffery. No – it’s not a theme park but rather two real white water rivers that will suit every skill and fitness level, topped off with the world’s first manmade and controlled 4.5-metre waterfall. Business groups, sports teams and community groups can book a guided rafting experience that will be fun, challenging and a brilliant team building exercise. The Sir Noel Robinson Conference Centre was developed with the white water park to provide a contemporary and flexible conference venue that can accommodate small or large groups. pacific.org.nz

WELLINGTON

LOWER HUTT The Hutt City Events Centre will open in spring 2017, as a multi-purpose venue which can comfortably cater to conferences and events of up to 1,300 people. The events centre will provide two large

interconnected rooms, a large airy atrium, plus the adjoining town hall. Each space can be configured for large conferences, trade displays and expos or banquet dinners. A range of break-out rooms and smaller function spaces are also available. A large café, commercial kitchen and on-site chefs will be able to cater to all events. The Lower Hutt i-SITE is also planned to be onsite. The Centre will fuse contemporary architecture with design elements synonymous with the modernist era of the 1950’s surrounding in the heart of the City’s civic precinct. Hutt City Council is funding and building the centre and an independent operator will manage the day-to-day operation of the centre – who will also be the operator of a new Sebel Hotel both scheduled to open in Spring 2017. huttcity.govt.nz

Hutt City Events Centre

MARLBOROUGH

The new ASB theatre which recently opened is a multi-use and purpose built venue overlooking Blenheim’s Taylor River. It offers state-of-the-art facilities and amenities for Live Performance, Performing Arts, Conferences and Function events. The 711 seat venue will be a welcome addition to the conferencing scene in Marlborough. It’s conveniently located adjacent to the Marlborough Convention centre and houses two theatres and naturally lit function spaces and foyers. The auditorium has a fully functioning fly tower and counter weight flying system, perfect for special events. The more intimate Anderson Theatre is a flexible multi-use space – perfect for conference break outs or trade expos. The Whitehaven Wine Room is a purpose built function space. It overlooks the Taylor River and a wonderful Grant Williams kinetic sculpture. It dines up to 170 and can handle a cocktail function for 300, and has good connection with the foyer space, with both being able to be opened up to allow for larger events. mctt.co.nz ●

EXPERIENCE THE BENEFITS OF GROUP TRAVEL BY VIRGIN AUSTRALIA Make travelling as a group seamless and flexible Virgin Australia’s experienced consultants take the hassle out of organising group travel to make your experience stress-free. Offering personalised service and attention to detail our team will make sure your next travel experience is a success.

To find out more, visit www.virginaustralia.com/Group bookings

Marlborough

Vodafone Events Centre, Auckland

VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

VENUES

QUEENSTOWN CLEANS UP The southern resort will host 10,000 Amway delegates next year – just one example of how Queenstown is becoming one of this country’s premier meetings and conventions attractions. By Ewan McDonald

ueenstown is gearing up to welcome 10,000 Chinese delegates to the region next year. It’s the largest single piece of incentive business to arrive in New Zealand, says Destination Queenstown CEO Graham Budd. While an event of this size is quite the coup for Queenstown, it’s the result of the region’s growing reputation in the MICE space. Last April the region was awarded the annual Amway China Leadership Seminar incentive event

for 2018. Amway manufactures and sells consumer products in the nutrition, beauty and home categories worldwide. As the number of participants is so large, delegates will visit Queenstown in groups of 500 over the 2018 autumn shoulder season, explains Budd. “It’s expected to bring significant economic value, estimated at $50m to the local economy during this time, and is aligned with our strategy to target growth in Queenstown’s traditional shoulder seasons, autumn and spring.” Budd sites the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s latest Convention Activity Survey, which shows Queenstown hosted more than 1000 single-day events and nearly 500 multi-day events in 2016. These brought some 72,000 delegates to Queenstown. They spent a total of 120,000 delegate days in the region. Queenstown hosted the third largest total of incentive activities in 2016 - some 89 events totalling 14,500 delegate days. It also hosted more than 300

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VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

special occasion events and 26,000 special occasion delegate days. Conferences and conventions made up a significant portion of these events, with 218 held in the South Island resort last year. This brought a total of 40,000 delegate days to the region. “Queenstown has long been the choice of destination for high-level forums and meetings in both the public and private sector, not least because of the beauty of the region, but it’s also a welcome break from the bustle of their usual commitments. “Queenstown also has the conference and incentive infrastructure to facilitate such events from start to finish, including regular and efficient domestic and trans Tasman air services and a modern airport, just minutes away from hotels and our lakeside town centre.” Conference and incentive business is an extremely important part of Queenstown’s visitor mix, he says. “Our key priority markets for conferences are New Zealand and Australia, and we work to drive incentive business from Asia and North America too. Destination Queenstown is welcoming the development of a convention centre located next to the Remarkables Park Town Centre. While a completion date is yet to be confirmed, construction could start as early as the end of the year. The proposed private development of a Remarkables Park Convention Centre is currently progressing through the consenting process. With a total area of 2560 sq m, stage one will

“If the views over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range become too distracting through the floor-to-ceiling windows, there is blackout capability in each of the meeting rooms to help keep everyone on track”

be large enough to accommodate 700 plenary and 500 banqueting delegates in adjacent areas of the main hall, without the need to break down and reset between day and night functions. The main hall will have capacity for up to 1400 delegates, while a separate foyer, as well as exhibitions spaces, are ideal for cocktail receptions or smaller functions. It’s not only new builds going ahead; renovations around the region have also been underway. Crowne Plaza Queenstown has recently undergone a $500,000 refurbishment to help keep the property “front of mind”, says sales and marketing manager Kylie Walker. On the first floor, the hotel’s new-look meeting rooms and spaces ensure it continues to lead the way in the MICE market, offering rooms to the conference, incentive and meetings markets with high-end meeting technology and connectivity. “As market leaders we’re always looking at ways of improving our services and the quality of conference and events rooms and public spaces,” she says. The fresh new look of the hotel adds a modern touch to interiors and includes upgrades to furniture and carpeting throughout the main public spaces, such as the lobby and three-sixty restaurant. If the views over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range become too distracting through the floor-to-ceiling windows, there is blackout capability in each of the meeting rooms to help keep everyone on track. ●

OUR VENUES WILL BLOW YOUR SPOTS OFF If you’re looking for something completely unique and want to stand out from the crowd, we can help you like no one else can. At Auckland Conventions Venues & Events we know that no two events are the same. Our attention to detail, unparalleled desire to make every occasion extraordinary, plus exclusive access to Auckland’s most iconic venues, means that your next Auckland event will... blow your guests’ spots off.

Auckland Conventions. Always Extraordinary.

events@aucklandconventions.co.nz 0800 54 98 98

VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

INDUSTRY UPDATE

WINTER WARMER AT HANMER H

old a midweek winter conference at Heritage Hanmer Springs and enjoy a special daily delegate rate of just $45 a person. The deal includes conference room hire, morning and afternoon tea and a working lunch based on a minimum of 20 delegates. The offer is valid for weeknight stays Sunday to Thursday night, from April 2-September 28. Accommodation specials include $145 a night for a superior room, or a villa for up to four guests for $280 a night.

Set in a historic 1930s lodge, described on its completion as the ‘finest architecture in the Southern Hemisphere’, there is a long tradition of hospitality at Heritage Hanmer Springs. The hotel caters for events up to 150 people and provides a range of accommodation options from hotel and garden rooms through to self-contained three-bedroom villas. The ballroom opens on to sunlit terraces and manicured gardens. The hotel offers a range of break-out space options, a formal boardroom and

Opening July 2017 DELEGATE PACKAGE DAILY RATE • Half Day Morning Session: $45.00 pp Coffee & Tea on Arrival, Morning Tea, Working Lunch, Room Hire & AV Equipment. • Half Day Afternoon Session: $40.00 pp Lunch & Afternoon Tea, Room Hire & AV Equipment • Full Day $60.00 pp Coffee & Tea on Arrival, Morning Tea, Working Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Room Hire & AV Equipment. ACCOMMODATION OFFER For every 11 paying rooms booked, receive 1 x FOC room for stay period.

Specia l introd uctory offer

GENERAL MANAGER ‘WELCOME DRINKS & NIBBLES’ (One hour) On the night of arrival, all group bookings are invited to enjoy a ‘Welcome to Niue’ from the General Manager and Management team of Scenic Matavai Resort. END OF BUSINESS SESSION BEVERAGE PACKAGE - DRINKS & NIBBLES (One Hour) $25 pp THEMED CATERING AND ON ISLAND ACTIVITIES Contact us for more information on island activities, including partner programmes, themed nights and catering options available.

For booking and enquiries call 09 377 5767 www.niueconferences.com

VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

the entire hotel can be hired on an exclusive basis. Isobel’s restaurant serves superb local produce paired with renowned regional wines. Across the street is the town’s award-winning Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, perfect for a post-conference session soak and spa treat. The area offers exceptional recreation and teambuilding opportunities. heritagehotels.co.nz

CONVENTIONS’ SUMMIT MEETING ON TRACK

Here’s a first look at the new five-star boutique hotel in town, where discerning business travellers will soon have superior conference accommodation and service to match, right in the heart of central Auckland. Hotel Grand Windsor on Queen Street is set to relaunch after a multi-million-dollar refit, moving from a trusted three-star establishment to a truly traditional five-star, boutique-style hotel with

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"Hotel Grand Windsor on Queen Street is set to relaunch after a multi-million-dollar refit, moving from a trusted three-star establishment to a truly traditional five-star, boutique-style hotel"

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Award winning architecture Restored heritage venues Inspiring street art

QUEEN STREET WELCOMES NEW LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL

beautifully designed surroundings. Guests will enjoy 79 exquisitely appointed guest rooms and suites with unlimited complimentary wifi access, ideal for conference delegate accommodation and corporate guests. Its bar, restaurant and covered terrace courtyard will be available for a myriad of events and functions, all executed with style and impeccable service. Reserve your VIP accommodation now in Hotel Grand Windsor’s five-star rooms and suites, as the hotel prepares for its soft launch mid-year. Introductory offers are available. ●

Heritage Hanmer Springs

Floor space is filling fast for CINZ Meetings 2017, New Zealand’s only national trade show for the conference and business tourism industry. Organised by Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ), the event – now in its 21st year – will take place at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds on May 31-June 1. CINZ chief executive Sue Sullivan says exhibitors have been quick to book slots for New Zealand’s most important face-to-face business event of the year. Meetings 2017 has a new-look website and several new initiatives to connect 600 qualified buyers and more than 20 leading industry media with 190 exhibitors from 18 regions around the country. Sullivan says demand for hosted buyer places remains strong and CINZ has secured key conference and event organisers for the show.

CINZ Meetings 2016 generated more than $55m of signed business over its two days of pre-scheduled appointments. meetings.co.nz

an opulence that pays homage to the elegant building’s heritage and character. After a careful restoration to provide an experience to remember, the Hotel Grand Windsor will offer a highly personalised level of service in luxurious

New meeting venues Shopping, dining & entertainment hubs And lots of accommodation options!

Looking for something a little different?

Talk to us before planning your next business event.

VENUE – 28 MARCH, 2017

VENUES

MATAMATA’S MIDDLE EARTH Venue editor Greg Fleming finds out a little more about Matamata’s ever-popular Hobbiton from marketing manager Shayne Forrest

eter Jackson may be our greatest tourism ambassador. The Lord of The Rings and Hobbit trilogies not only broke box-office records they also did great things for the sleepy town of Matamata. In 1998, when his scouts were searching for the iconic rolling hills and lush green pastures of Hobbiton an aerial search led them to the Alexander farm, a 1,250 acre sheep farm in the heart of the Waikato. The rest, as they say is history. Thanks to the trilogy’s global success Hobbiton’s a popular destination for incentive parties as well as local and international tourists.

• •

“Around half the people that visit haven’t seen the movie or read the books but enjoy the ‘peak behind the curtain’ into the film industry”

From movie-set experiences to banquet dining the theme park is lots of fun even if you’ve never seen the movies.

WHAT DO CORPORATE GROUPS PARTICULARLY LOVE ABOUT HOBBITON?

"They love the behind the scenes look into how a piece or rural NZ was turned into a film set for a major motion picture. Around half the people that visit haven’t seen the movie or read the books but enjoy the ‘peak behind the curtain’ into the film industry.

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"Our most popular experience for this type of market is the Evening Banquet Tour. The evening groups can use the venues exclusively for a real evening in Middle-earth. This also gives them a chance to enjoy a feast fit for a Hobbit and see Hobbiton by night which is quite special."

WHOSE IDEA WAS IT IN THE FIRST PLACE?

"Russell Alexander and the Alexander family saw huge potential for the site to remain as a tourism attraction and be left as a monument to Middle-earth so negotiated with the film company to be able to run tours. The flow on effect to Matamata and the region has been fantastic with hotels, restaurants, cafes and bed and breakfasts all enjoying the benefits of people coming into the region to experience Hobbiton."

WHAT SORT OF FEEDBACK DO YOU GET FROM VISITORS?

"People are blown away by the experience – a lot of people who haven’t seen the movies think they won’t enjoy it but are very surprised at just how much they did." ●

8 spaces to suit a wide variety of events & groups Delicious in-house catering with a range of flexible menus Central location just 10 minutes from Auckland CBD Free on-site parking Experienced events team to take care of your function

Call us today to organise a venue viewing, and chat about your event requirements. P: 09 630 9706 E: enquiries@alexandrapark.co.nz

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WHAT DO YOU PROVIDE IN THE WAY OF EXPERIENCES?

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International guests especially love experiencing something uniquely NZ and they can’t experience Middle Earth anywhere else in the world. "

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VENUES

TARANAKI – THE SECRET’S OUT Some were surprised when global travel guide Lonely Planet judged Taranaki the world’s second best region to visit in 2017, the locals were more concerned about who spilled the beans

New Plymouth’s Govett-Brewster Art Gallery

ut a visit to the region will prove there’s a lot happening there, and much of the action is helping position Taranaki as an attractive MICE market. Lonely Planet focused on two major developments – the Pouakai Crossing one-day walk on Mount Taranaki and the Len Lye Centre adjoining the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, and heaped further praise on local eateries. The gallery is the hub of a rapidly growing hospitality precinct that also includes the expansive TSB Showplace event venue and a number of interesting smaller spaces. It’s also at the heart of a new product targeted to the MICE sector by Cathy Thurston at Discover Taranaki, which includes a guided tour and dining in the stylish adjoining Monica’s Eatery. Cathy also offers a similar tour of Puke Ariki Museum that and a historic walking tour of New

Plymouth’s inner city, and of the city’s iconic Pukekura Park. “The region has a lot to offer the MICE market, and in presenting ready-to-go options we’re aiming to make it easier and cost effective to deliver for groups of any size,” says Discover Taranaki’s Cathy Thurston. New Plymouth District Council is also recognising the potential of the conference and event industry, with plans well underway for two new corporate suites to be constructed at the city’s Yarrow Stadium. Overlooking the region’s top rugby ground, the lounges will add versatile hosting options for up to 160 guests. The new lounges are due to be up and running in July, well ahead of the All Blacks – Argentina test in September. Also on the Council’s action list is a major redevelopment at New Plymouth’s airport with a spectacular new terminal housing both Air New Zealand and Jetstar connections. ●