Subscribe to RSSKiwis Take Over Vector Arena
Auckland’s Vector Arena, has new owner operators. The venue’s management has been taken over by Bruce Mactaggart and Stuart Clumpas, two New Zealand-based international entertainment industry identities.
Vector Arena is a public/private partnership with Auckland City Council. Deputy Mayor David Hay says the private sector is better in this kind of endeavour than local government and he was pleased that this approach will continue.
“The sale puts the business on a firm footing for the future,” he says. “We’re pleased to see New Zealand residents now managing the venue.” He also paid tribute to QPAM., the original management company for what it has achieved.
Mactaggart had a lead role in Vector Arena’s design, construction and opening, during which time he was Chief Executive. Since then he has been the Arena’s Executive Chairman.
Clumpas spent 22 years as a leading European concert promoter, before selling his UK business and moving to New Zealand in 2001. He created and produced two of the major UK pop festivals, the legendary T In The Park and the V Festivals in association with Sir Richard Branson. A venue operator in the rock and pop world since 1984, Clumpas’ best known venture was Glasgow’s King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, where super group Oasis were discovered.
“Before Vector Arena opened in Auckland people often had to travel to Melbourne or Sydney to see their favourite artists or shows. Now the Arena has become one of the must-play venues on the world touring circuit and it hasn’t even begun to reach its full potential yet,” says Mactaggart.
“Both Stuart and I passionately believe in Vector Arena, and believe that it has an even more meaningful role to play in music, arts and culture in New Zealand in future years. Importantly, we didn’t want to potentially see the Arena pass into foreign ownership,” he says.
“We’ve both chosen to emigrate to and live in New Zealand and want to make a meaningful contribution to the country that we call home.”
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