New Zealand industry welcomes plan for Wellington convention centre and movie museum

News that Wellington is to build a combined convention centre and movie museum is being welcomed by Convention and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ).

CINZ Chief Executive Sue Sullivan says Wellington’s new convention centre will be an enormous boost to New Zealand’s reputation as an exciting and unique conference destination.

A company formed by Wellington-based international filmmakers Sir Peter Jackson and Sir Richard Taylor will run the museum which will feature many props from the their considerable collections.

“We congratulate the visionaries behind this – Sir Peter Jackson, Sir Richard Taylor and Wellington City Council - for recognising this opportunity and setting their sights on a stunning, world-class facility,” she says.

Plans for the building, opposite Te Papa Museum on the Wellington waterfront, will include a convention centre with exhibition space and six meetings rooms capable of hosting 1,100 people for full format conventions and 2,250 theatre style.

Sue Sullivan says New Zealand’s capital city has many advantages as a convention destination, but has needed the infrastructure to take it to the next level.

“Wellington is also the geographical centre of New Zealand, and a hub for creativity, technological expertise, culture and cuisine. It is the base for many associations, with a good range of accommodation, easy access to government, and it’s walkable. This purpose-built convention facility, configured to meet modern and future needs and expectations, promises huge benefits for the city and the country,” she says.