Wellington’s international accessibility needs to improve: Mayor Justin Lester

(picture caption: Wellington Mayor Justin Lester; picture courtesy: YeyingZhu)

The Mayor made this observation at the formal launch event of fifth India NZ Business Council (INZBC) Summit, which will be held on September 28, in Auckland, and will focus on aviation, tourism and technology. 

Addressing the gathering in the capital on August 7, the mayor while commenting on the need for Wellington to increase international linkage, noted, “ Singapore Airlines has done this through a link to Wellington via Melbourne but more would be better. We would like more tourists and businesses coming to Wellington, as the city provides advantages of cheaper housing, the highest educated work force, and is home to some great companies such as Xero.”

The Mayor then went on to outline various developments in transport and housing to increase Wellington’s accessibility. “The proposed Movie Museum will add to tourism stocks and make Wellington a must-see destination,” he said.

He also noted the importance of culture which is central to Wellington’s identity as New Zealand’s “cultural capital”. “More international visitors coming here, including students, will enhance that cultural connection, increasing Wellington’s growing reputation as a place of acceptance and diversity,” he added. 

Jay Changlani, Wellington Chapter Head of INZBC, concluded, “This event was an effort to get greater participation from Wellington and the regions for the big annual summit, which is a business event of national importance now. We encourage Kiwis to participate in big numbers and engage with the incoming delegates from India, who are not easy to get hold of when we visit there”, said Jay.