Meeting Newz January / February 2021

[ WE LL I NGTON CENTRE’S ‘NEW LIFE’ ADDS CONFERENCE OPTION thehub…modern multi-use venue with a community connection Ross Jamieson, chair of Toitu Poneke Community & Sports Centre (thehub) at Kilbirnie Park, says the multi- use venue appeals to organisations seeking a fresh, modern environment with modest pricing and connection to community. The centre remains a sports facility and is used by foundation clubs as well as a myriad of local groups. “That use tends to be after hours or in the weekends. So we have this versatile and spacious facility available during business hours.” Conference spaces include the South and North Lounges, which can be hired as one large open space or separated by a mechanical, sound-proof, folding wall. “The North Lounge has white spaces and walls for groups that want that, while the South Lounge is adorned with tasteful sporting memorabilia. We’ve actually found that groups really enjoy the paraphernalia of the South Lounge for something different.” The North and South lounges combined can seat 230 around tables. The city selected the name after working in close collaboration with local iwi partners based in or near Wellington. Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa ki te Upoko o te Ika a Maui Inc chairman Kura Moeahu says Wellington is renowned for its unique and diverse elements of wind that is reflected in the architecture of Tākina. “It is about embracing and respecting the environment and gaining a great appreciation for it.” Kura Moeahu and Taranaki Whānui (collection of tribes from the Wellington region) have gifted a karakia (Māori incantation/prayer) to Wellington City Council for Tākina. The karakia represents the numerous and various winds that are unique and pertinent to Te Whanganui-a- Tara (Wellington Harbour). Scan the QR code below to find out more about Takina. A community and sporting facility conveniently situated between Wellington Airport and the CBD has been gaining traction with corporate, government and other conferences. Tākina, the name of the new Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre to open in 2023, means ‘to invoke’ which reflects the city as a place people come together to talk and think. Another area, the NZCT Room, is adjacent to the two lounges but is totally separate. Jamieson points out that those spaces are just the start of what the facility offers. “We’ve got a commercial kitchen, a bar, plenty of natural light throughout, great AV functionality in each room which includes five live screens spread out through the function spaces, and decks overlooking the fields. There is also the Green Room, a modern indoor training centre, and the grounds themselves in front of this amazing venue.” He says this means groups are never short of break out options or team building. “Pre-Covid about a third of our business was corporate and that’s coming back now. We receive a lot of repeat business, people really enjoy the atmosphere.” He says the venue has full time staff on-site to assist organisers and there is plenty of flexibility when it comes to food and beverage. “They can bring in outside caterers or we can handle it for them, or they can bring their own food on-site.” TĀKINA ~ WHAT’S IN A NAME? Wellington convention and exhibition centre [14] meeting newz [january february] 2021