Bobbie Peato is Auckland Conventions, Venues & Events’ sales support, and celebrates her sixteenth work anniversary in June 2020. Bobbie has seen many events take place during her time. Here are some of the highlights of one of her favourite venues – the Aotea – Te Pokapū | Aotea Centre.
What does the Aotea – Te Pokapū | Aotea Centre mean to you?
It’s the flagship venue of our portfolio and makes dreams come true for so many people from all walks of life, including myself. I can’t help but smile when I see clients enter the venue for the first time for a site visit, or when our audiences experience special moments during a show.
What are some of your Aotea – Te Pokapū | Aotea Centre highlights?
One of my all-time favourite memories is from 2011 during the Rugby World Cup. The Aotea – Te Pokapū | Aotea Centre was used by NZRU and IRB personnel as its main operating office. It was just great to be in the venue with so many like-minded people who loved the game of rugby as much as I do.
Another highlight was when THE EDGE (as we were called back then) ran a free, safe and family-focused New Year’s Eve event with New Zealand talents performing on all levels of the Aotea – Te Pokapū | Aotea Centre. The staff volunteered their time running the event and made sure everyone was in Aotea Square to watch the fireworks go off from the Sky Tower at midnight. Over 25,000 people would attend this event throughout the night. I think the last one took place in 2008.
More recently, the CINZ MEETINGS 2019 Welcome Function held in the refurbished Hunua Rooms was also memorable. It always amazes me how our team work together to bring events to life. A proud moment in front of 700 industry peers.
What's something that people might not know about the Aotea – Te Pokapū | Aotea Centre?
I think the Centre’s recent refurbishment really showcases its connection to Auckland’s history. For example, the bespoke carpet designs were inspired by the Waihorotiu stream that once flowed down Queen Street in front of where the Aotea – Te Pokapū | Aotea Centre is today.
Related:
- Aotea-Centre: 7 lesser-known facts
- Prime Minister unveils striking digital artwork in Auckland’s Aotea Centre
- Aotea Centre revitalised
- The stage is set for your hybrid event
- Aotea Centre theatre renamed after Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
- Aotea Centre finalist in Design Awards
- Aotea Centre wayfinding
