20 years ago:
Plans for the 127ha site contained commercial, retail and residential components, as well as landscaped recreational areas and civic, cultural and leisure facilities. It adjoined the new North Harbour Domain (including what is now QBE — formerly North Harbour — Stadium) which was also under construction at the time.
The development was to provide 5000 permanent jobs, and gross floor areas of the retail centre and office park exceeded 175,000sq m, comparable to the Manukau City Centre.
The concept was innovative for New Zealand, but the success of the philosophy had been proven in Australia, where the creation of “new cities” — as opposed to piecemeal developments — had resulted in areas that were self-contained, well designed and environmentally sympathetic.
15 years ago:
If built, the 10,000 to 14,000-seat arena would cater for sports and entertainment events too big for venues such as the Aotea Centre but not suited to outdoor arenas such as North Harbour and Mt Smart Stadiums.
It was chosen as the preferred site because of its proximity to the central city and its hotels and restaurants, as well as being easily accessible by road and public transport.
10 years ago:
The event was held over a nine-week period late in 2004. PlaceMakers sponsorship and events manager Darlene Thomas said the Cook Islands was the ideal destination as it provided the group with a huge variety of unique activities and entertainment options.
5 years ago:
To be known as the ITM 400, the New Zealand sole round of the V8 Supercar Championship had attracted 300,000 fans in the first two years.
ITM, then with more than 90 branches nationwide, was delighted with the new sponsorship.
“The whole team at ITM is thrilled to be the naming sponsor for the ITM 400,” ITM chief executive Gordon Buswell said.
“We have built our brand to attract customers, build credibility with suppliers and excite our people. The ITM 400 undoubtedly achieves all three,” he said.
