IS THE SKYCITY CONVENTION CENTRE OUR CATHEDRAL BUILDING PROJECT? (Opinion piece)
It is with utter surprise and dismay that in recent weeks I am reading the Skycity Convention Centre discussion is back to “why do we need this” rather than when is it starting”? Yes, the budget construction forecast show increases and some discussion is warranted re how to fund the increases, but let’s not go back to the laborious drawing board of why and what is its value to Auckland and the wider New Zealand economy.
It is desperately needed and for no other reason than it keeps us ‘up with the international Jones destinations’ who are all vigorously vying to attract international convention and conference delegates. It will also stimulate economic growth for accommodation providers, restaurants, caterers, transport, attraction & activity operators and with that comes job creation.
We should be treating the Convention Centre’s as our modern version of “Cathedral Thinking”. Cathedral Thinking stretches back through the centuries to medieval times, when architects, stonemasons and artisans laid plans and began construction of the structures that served as places of worship, community gathering spaces and safe havens. Given that life expectancy at the time was less than 40, most of these pioneers knew that neither they, nor their children, would see the final benefits. They were thinking for the 3rd generation and beyond. Since then, the concept has been applied to space exploration, city planning and other long-term goals that require decades of foresight and planning so future generations can enjoy their full realization.
When you consider ‘cathedral thinking’ it makes you think – what are our ‘cathedral thinking’ projects in New Zealand? We don’t have the ancient ruins or iconic structures of the world and aside from the Auckland and Te Papa museums, our biggest game changes in tourism makes you think of Shotover Jet, AJ Hackett Bungy, Tamaki Tours and perhaps latterly, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours. These tourism operators developed something ‘new’ that are must visit attractions and known globally either for their activity or technology. The Milford Tunnel and Monorail proposals were rejected and if we don’t start thinking more long term re new tourism projects, we may lose our place in the melee of attractions and activities other destinations can throw big dollars at.
Let’s look at a neighbour’s example of a “Cathedral Thinking Idea”. The Sydney Opera House was mooted in 1940s but took until 1955 before the global competition idea was initiated and it was opened formally in 1973. The 1957 budget was $7 million dollars and on completion of Phase Two 10 years later it was 14 times over its budget. The process from start to finish was fraught with controversy from politicians, local ratepayers, architects and environmentalists of the day but the final product is a world architectural masterpiece.
The Convention Centre’s in our major destinations, particularly Auckland could represent our version of ‘cathedral thinking’. Heather Shotter’s NZ Herald article 29 January 2015 re why the Skycity Convention Centre must go ahead has supporting economic data for those that need to see the data again. The Government has the NZ Major Events team, Tourism New Zealand has a Business development team with a Conference Assistance Programme fund and in April 2014 year IRD announced a ‘non-resident’ GST policy to rebate gst for conference and conventions delegates. Government is showing their support and now it’s our turn.
A Convention Centre may not seem like a ‘cathedral thinking’ idea compared to the Sydney Opera House but if it adds value and benefits to the community, then we absolutely need the Skycity Convention Centre as the start point with others to follow. Who knows – it might even generate a world class attraction ‘cathedral thinking’ idea for the Auckland waterfront?