Heart of the City

Five weeks on from the City Rail Link opening, there’s a lot of great feedback, and we're seeing encouraging signs in foot traffic. Our pedestrian data shows city centre foot traffic is +11% compared with the five weeks before the CRL opened, and +11% on the same period last year. We're also hearing from businesses that they're noticing new faces through the door, particularly those close to the stations. While it will take more time and data to fully understand the CRL's day-to-day impact, the early indicators are positive. As more Aucklanders build the CRL into their routines, we'll be watching closely to see how this shapes city centre visitation and spending patterns. Data source: HOTC Pedestrian Counts https://lnkd.in/gDNqUJA

Throughout the reporting period, there was demonstrable progress in the city centre’s recovery. Foot traffic increased year-on-year, major cultural, entertainment and business events attracted thousands of visitors, and significant private-sector investment underscored confidence in the city's future. However, despite growing activity and visitation, spending remained subdued. The June quarter results reinforce the importance of focusing on factors that can be influenced. This includes attracting more people, encouraging longer stays, and enhancing the overall appeal and experience of the city centre. Take a closer look at our June Quarter 2026 results:

The city centre’s serving looks and eating well - New Zealand Fashion Week Kahuria is bringing style lovers of all stripes into the heart of the city, while Restaurant Month is ensuring there’s plenty to enjoy beyond the runway, with more than 100 city-centre eateries offering special menus and experiences throughout August. Creativity and storytelling are at the heart of both fabulous fits and delicious dishes, so there’s no better time to experience the best of fashion and food. If you’re heading into the city for NZFW, make a night of it. From runway shows to restaurant tables, there’s never been a better time to experience Auckland’s city centre. https://lnkd.in/e2KrfnrZ

We’ve developed a City Centre Safety & Support Guide for our business community. This is a general, quick-reference guide designed to support teams in the moment, not to cover every scenario, but to provide helpful direction when it’s needed most. It’s there to help businesses: • Understand what you might be dealing with • Know who to contact • Respond with confidence Together, we can help keep our city centre safe, supportive, and thriving. https://lnkd.in/eKyp3jjX

Restaurant Month returns this Saturday, kicking off one of Auckland’s most anticipated annual programmes. Last night, we officially launched Restaurant Month 2026 at Te Waihorotiu Station, a venue that embodies the transformation taking place in Auckland’s city centre. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei opened the evening, followed by speeches from Heart of the City, Auckland Transport and participating chefs. The energy was electric, with those in attendance embracing the neon-lit, underground-themed space and the excitement surrounding Auckland’s biggest celebration of food. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks from Campari Group, Premium Liquor, The HEINEKEN Company and Kumeu River Wines were enjoyed, while a modern jazz DJ set the tone for the evening. Three city centre restaurants took centre stage to showcase their signature dishes: GOAT, Tanuki and Culprit, highlighting the diversity, creativity and quality that define Auckland city centre’s hospitality scene. Attendees were also treated to a custom creation from Giapo on their way out. As Auckland enters an exciting new chapter, Restaurant Month continues to champion the hospitality businesses that makes our city centre a world-class and unique destination. Delivered by Heart of the City for the 16th year, the 2026 programme features more than 100 special menus and over 20 exclusive dining experiences throughout August, celebrating the chefs, restaurants and hospitality teams behind our vibrant food scene. Driven by strong partnerships across hospitality and beyond, this year’s programme creates new opportunities to drive visitation, support local businesses and encourage people to explore the city. New additions include How We Eat, presented by Chow Luck Club; Next on the Pass, which pairs Auckland University of Technology culinary students with leading chefs to support the next generation of hospitality talent; and Commercial Bay's 2026 Fork & Fame Awards, inviting Aucklanders to vote for their favourite eateries, dishes and dining experiences throughout August. More than a month of dining, Restaurant Month 2026 reflects the confidence, collaboration and momentum shaping the heart of our city’s future. Check out the full programme: here: https://lnkd.in/gqR25j2

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 Ten years since the first sod was turned, Heart of the City is ecstatic that the City Rail Link Ltd is opening on 13th September. “This is the moment we have been working towards for a decade and it marks the dawn of a new era for the city centre,” says Viv Beck, Chief Executive of Heart of the City. “Midtown is becoming a destination in its own right and people will be pleasantly surprised by the progress” she said. The City Rail Link will make it easier and faster to get in, out and around the city centre, which will unlock the much-anticipated potential to attract many more people to come here. While the City Rail Link works have been underway, billions of dollars of other investment has been happening in midtown that is reenergising this area. The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) opened earlier this year; new and refurbished hotels will meet growth in tourism; new student accommodation is enhancing our offering for international students; and investment in office accommodation demonstrates confidence in the return of office workers. Ongoing development will also drive growth in people living close to the new train stations. On top of this, close proximity to our arts, cultural and entertainment area will make it easier for people to come and enjoy events and attractions only available in the city centre. “It has been an incredibly tough road for impacted businesses, some of whom have sadly not made it through to see this day. We remember them and trust that lessons have been learned. Future large-scale, long-term investment through the middle of an urban area must plan and budget in advance to ensure that people’s livelihoods are not ruined. Petitions and protests should not be needed in future to help people survive and on this note, I’d like to acknowledge our relationship with the late Hon Nikki Kaye to help raise the need and ultimately secure unprecedented targeted hardship funding,” said Ms. Beck. Auckland Transport 📷 Radical