New Zealand recreates Best of British
Case Study: Annual staff awards and Christmas party
What you did: Working with the Auckland Convention Centre at THE EDGE team of highly skilled technicians and professional event co-ordinators Madant Productions, a major corporate transformed the spectacularly opulent Civic building to celebrate the client’s prestigious annual staff awards and Christmas party for 1800 guests.
Built in the roaring ‘20s as a ‘palace of dreams’, The Civic is located at the heart of Auckland’s vibrant central business district. As the guests arrived at this New Zealand architectural treasure, they were immediately transported to England and invited to be part of another time, world and land.
Each guest was able to enter different party zones created to emulate an ‘olde’ English pub, a children’s’ literature room, a medieval room and a 1960s classic British room, as well as an R&B dance room. They enjoyed traditional English pub fare and other items in keeping with theme.
The guests started the event in the stunning Auditorium, before moving through the foyers and themed rooms. Real-life props, such as Bobby’s and the Queen’s Guards on horseback, seamlessly wove the different worlds together. Rooms also had live bands and DJs providing entertainment all evening, while famous English personalities from throughout the ages roamed around and performed in character.
Special Touches: An event highlight was the creation of the London skyline in the Auditorium and, as New Zealand’s only atmospheric theatre with a domed ceiling and spectacular starscape, it served as a breathtaking backdrop to the awards ceremony.
Challenges: For an event of this scale that aspired to create a number of different experiences within one cohesive theme, budget was a challenge as well as trying to get the different props into some of the spaces.
Overcoming Challenges: The party zones were created by drawing upon and enhancing the unique architectural characteristics of the Wintergarden, Safari and Taj Mahal rooms along with the foyers and bars throughout The Civic. This meant fewer props were required to create an authentically unconventional experience.
Aotea Square Redevelopment Update
Auckland City Council is undertaking a major redevelopment of Aotea Square, encompassing a redesign and upgrade to the square, the repair and strengthening of the Civic car park roof (beneath the square) and alterations to the front of Aotea Centre.
The redesign and upgrade to Aotea Square will give the area a distinct and contemporary identity. Trees, predominately native species, will be a key feature of the site and will be planted to maximise shade but not impact sightlines during events; terraced, grassed areas will be introduced along with granite paving and steps; long benches and clustered square seats will provide seating throughout the square; pole lighting will light the pathways, trees and seats at night while low glare dome fittings will provide subtle lighting in the paved and lawn areas; and New Zealand art works will be prominently positioned around the area.
The redevelopment is expected to be completed in October 2010. Following its two year redevelopment, Aotea Square will be able to host a much greater range of events including large crowds not currently able to be accommodated due to loading restrictions.
Our Events Team is available to discuss your conference and events needs or any queries you may have.
See Auckland City’s website for more details.